Dynamic Simulation-Based Turbine Engine Decision Support

The Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) engine will be capable of performing on-board fault detection, isolation, and prognosis. Current processing relies on BIT codes generated by the engine control system. These BIT codes are derived from steady state engine performance and do not address the prognostics problem. Though this technique has worked well on modern aircraft such as the F-22 / F119 configuration, the JSF engine will take PHM to a new level. IAC, with Pratt & Whitney support, proposes to develop a dynamic simulation-based turbine engine model for maintenance decision support. This model-based approach will provide: 1) accurate assessments of gas path rotating machinery deterioration, 2) in-range fault coverage of control system sensors, and 3) a system-wide assessment of engine health status. The fundamental components of the proposed prognostics system are generic. In Phase 1, IAC will specify the requirements for implementing the gas path prognostics system for the F135 application. Given the availability of F135 engine data, the algorithms will be coded and demonstrated in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. In lieu of F135 data, a PW6000 engine will be substituted for the proposed prognostics system demonstration.