Active/Passive Clearance Control for Small Turbine Engines

Active clearance control promises considerable improvements in rotating component efficiencies and compressor surge margin. These improvements are essential to meet stringent performance requirements for next generation propulsion systems. The improvements are more pronounced for small engines, because clearance effect in small engines accounts for a bigger portion of rotating component losses than large engines. Scientific Aero Monitoring, Inc. proposes to conduct a reserch program on active clearance control for a small turboshaft engine. The firm should like to evaluate the feasibility of current and innovative clearance control concepts, and carry out the design, simulation, and demonstration of the most feasible concept in a test rig. The firm should like to focus its research on centrifugal compressors, because it is the preferred type for small turboshaft engines. The firm presented a candidate clearance control system in this proposal, although the candiate control system should not limit the firm's assessment of other feasible control concepts. Scientific Aero Monitoring, Inc. was founded with a vision to utilize the efficiency and concentration of a small business to facilitate technology development and adaptation. The firm emphasizes accountability and goal-oriented work ethics. The investigators for the proposed program offer more than 35 years of combined experience in aerospace system modeling, design, development and testing. A major portion of this combined pool of experience is directly related to the gas turbine engine field.