SOLIHULL COLLEGE BTEC

AEROSPACE ENGINEERING HND (QCF)

HIGHER NATIONAL DIPLOMA

IN
AEROSPACE ENGINEERING (QCF)
Aircraft Propulsion Technology
UNIT: 90
(QCF Unit Code: L/601/7249)
ASSIGNMENT 3:

Understand Engine Performance Characteristics

Handed Out: 21 Feb 2012

Deadline: 10 Apr 2012

Aircraft Propulsion Technology Assignment 3 Paul Matthews Page 1 of 6

SOLIHULL COLLEGE BTEC
AEROSPACE ENGINEERING HND (QCF)

Unit 15: Aircraft Propulsion Technology

(22449V)

Aim.

This unit aims to develop learners’ understanding of the principles and laws of aircraft
propulsion and their application to gas turbine systems and design.

Outcome 3
Understand Engine performance characteristics
Performance parameters: design applications and performance parameters for turbo-prop,
turbojet and turbo-fan; engine airflow graphs; choked nozzles; mechanical forces; thrust
calculations and thrust load paths; dependent and independent accessories (gross, net, choked
nozzle, thrust); thrust HP, ESHP
Material limitations: power rating; centripetal forces; temperatures
Engine performance monitoring: instrumentation (e.g. temperature and power output);
thermocouple position; exhaust gas temperature (EGT) and jet pipe temperatures (JPT); thrust
and rotational speed; engine pressure ratio and integrated engine pressure ratio; data analysis
and performance trend monitoring
Engine condition monitoring: vibration; lubrication systems; FADEC systems

Outcomes and assessment criteria

To achieve this unit a learner must:

Understand engine performance characteristics

Seven Weekly Study Plan.

Week Topics within the module

1 Introduction and determining different engine performance parameters.

2 Continuation of different engine performance parameters.
3 Explain the instrumentation used for engine performance monitoring.
4 Introduce material limitations.
5 Discuss information used to monitor engine performance and engine condition.
6 Review of subject matter
7 This lesson used for student to demonstrate their understanding of the unit.

Aircraft Propulsion Technology Assignment 3 Paul Matthews Page 2 of 6

SOLIHULL COLLEGE BTEC
AEROSPACE ENGINEERING HND (QCF)
GRADING CRITERIA
As this is a grading assignment, it will be possible to obtain a technical grade of Pass, Merit and
distinction. A pass grade is achieved by demonstrating competence in the performance of all
the following outcomes.

Outcome(s) Evidence Evidence to be presented

For different types of gas turbine engines, show how engine
 Determine
airflow graphs, choked nozzles, mechanical forces, thrust load
performance
paths, dependent and independent accessories (gross, net,
parameters of
choked nozzle, thrust), thrust HP and ESHP, determine
gas turbine
performance parameters - (graphs and diagrams are advised).
engines P3.1
Task 1
 Explain the
For each of the gas turbine stages (intake, compressor stage,
material
combustion, turbine stage and exhaust nozzle) describe the
limitations for
power rating; centripetal forces and temperature limitations in
each module in
relation to the materials used – the use of diagrams and graphs is
Outcome two
advised. Task 2
P3.2
Investigate how information such as temperature and power
 Investigate the output, thermocouple position, exhaust gas temperature (EGT)
information and jet pipe temperatures (JPT), thrust and rotational speed,
used to engine pressure ratio and integrated engine pressure ratio, data
monitor engine analysis and performance trend monitoring is used to provide
performance engine performance monitoring. Also, how engine condition
and engine monitoring, vibration; lubrication systems and FADEC systems can
condition. P3.3 show engine condition – the use of diagrams and graphs is
advised. Task 3

Suggested reading
Eastop T and McConkey A — Applied Thermodynamics for Engineering Technologists (Prentice
Hall, 1993) ISBN: 0582215714
Horsley M and Sherwin K — Thermofluids (Nelson Thornes, 1996) ISBN: 0412637502
Rogers G and Mayhew Y — Engineering Thermodynamics — Work and Heat Transfer
(Longman, 1992) ISBN: 0582045665
Rolls Royce – The Jet Engine – Sixth Edition (Rolls Royce 2006) ISBN: 0902121235

Aircraft Propulsion Technology Assignment 3 Paul Matthews Page 3 of 6

SOLIHULL COLLEGE BTEC
AEROSPACE ENGINEERING HND (QCF)
Grading Evidence for Merit and Distinction
Characteristics/Indicators Evidence from this Assignment
Identify and apply strategies to find
appropriate solutions
 Effective judgments have been
made
M1

 Complex problems with more

than one variable have been
explored
 An effective to study and
research has been applied
Select/design and apply appropriate
methods/techniques
 Relevant theories and
techniques have been applied
 A range of methods and
techniques have been applied
 A range of sources of
information has been used
 Several sources of information
 The selection of methods and
have been used, together with the
M2

techniques/sources has been

justified synthesis and processing of
 The design of methods complex information.
/techniques has been justified
 Complex information/data has
been synthesised and
processed
 Appropriate learning
methods/techniques have
been applied
Present and communicate
appropriate findings
 appropriate structure and
approach has been used
 coherent, logical development
of principles/concepts for the
intended audience
 a range of methods of
presentation have been used
M3

and technical language has

been accurately used
 communication has taken
place in familiar and unfamiliar
contexts
 the communication is
appropriate for familiar and
unfamiliar audiences and
appropriate media have been
used

Aircraft Propulsion Technology Assignment 3 Paul Matthews Page 4 of 6

SOLIHULL COLLEGE BTEC
AEROSPACE ENGINEERING HND (QCF)
Characteristics/Indicators Evidence from this Assignment

Use critical reflection to evaluate own

work and justify valid conclusions
 conclusions have been arrived at
through synthesis of ideas and
have been justified
D1

 the validity of results has been

evaluated using defined criteria
 self-criticism of approach has taken
place
 realistic improvements have been
proposed against defined
characteristics for success

Take responsibility for managing and

organizing activities
 autonomy/independence has been
demonstrated
 substantial activities, projects or
investigations have been planned,
D2

managed and organised

 activities have been managed
 the unforeseen has been
accommodated
 the importance of
interdependence has been
recognised and achieved
Demonstrate convergent/lateral/creative
thinking
 ideas have been generated and
decisions taken
 self-evaluation has taken place
 A clearly structured self-
 convergent and lateral thinking
evaluation of the assignment,
have been applied
D3

together with the application

 problems have been solved
 innovation and creative thought
of innovative and creative
have been applied thought processes.
 receptiveness to new ideas is
evident
 effective thinking has taken place
in unfamiliar contexts

Aircraft Propulsion Technology Assignment 3 Paul Matthews Page 5 of 6

SOLIHULL COLLEGE BTEC
AEROSPACE ENGINEERING HND (QCF)
Scenario
Task 1 P3.1
You are an aerospace engineer working for ‘All Flap - No Fly’ Airlines. You are a member of a
team tasked with buying 12 new Boeing 737 aircraft. The aircraft are available with a choice of
engines made by three different manufacturers. As the ‘engine man’ of the team, you are
tasked with advising the airline to purchase an engine that is both economical to run and
economical to maintain. This will involve the comparison of the engines from the three
manufacturers. You are to investigate and write a report on:
 What the performance parameters of gas turbine engines are?
 Why is performance data necessary in both maintenance and economic terms?
 How does one compare the performance of one engine type with another?

Task 2 P3.2
Gas turbine engines are manufactured from a variety of metallic and non-metallic materials.
Describe the limitations of these materials (e.g. centrifugal forces, temperature) for each
module in a gas turbine engine – (intake, compressor stage, combustion, turbine stage and
exhaust nozzle).

Task 3 P3.3
Investigate how performance and condition information is obtained and how this data is used
to monitor gas turbine engine performance and engine condition.

Note
It is very important that your assignment is your own work. When you hand the work in
to be assessed, you must attach this assignment documentation together with the
following declaration signed:

I certify that the content of the attached report is of my own work, except for where
references are shown.

Student Name (printed)_______________________________________________

Date:___________ Signature:_________________________________

Aircraft Propulsion Technology Assignment 3 Paul Matthews Page 6 of 6