This 20 hr short course is all about Gas Turbine Engines (GTEs), how they operate and how they are used in various air-breathing propulsion systems. From a very practical perspective, you will be introduced to the fundamentals of the engine core (compressor, combustor, and turbine) and the various GTE propulsion systems. A field trip is included when available to reinforce the foundational concepts in a very practical way.
Course Outline – First Day:
- Introduction and Historical Perspective
- Foundational Concepts: Blade Geometry, Aerodynamics, and Thrust Fundamentals
- Applications: Propeller Aerodynamics, Inlets and Nozzles
Second Day:
- The Gas Turbine Engine “Core:” Compressor, Combustor and Turbine
- Propulsion Systems: Turbojet, Turbofan, Turboprop, and Turboshaft
Third Day (Morning Only):
- Engine Performance and Operability
- Airframe and Engine(s) Integration
You will be given a set of course notes and a copy of Klaus Hunecke’s text, “Jet Engines – Fundamentals of Theory, Design, and Operation.” 2.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are awarded.
This is our most popular introductory propulsion short course. It is the best course for most audiences as it provides a practical appreciation for and foundational understanding of the aircraft gas turbine engine. It is well suited for anyone working with the aircraft-engine system, regardless of functional specialty, experience, or educational background. A building-block approach is used. No prior knowledge is assumed.
The focus of this 20 hr class is foundational understanding of gas turbine engine (GTE) “secondary” or “support” systems – bearings and lubrication, sealing, cooling, heating, gearing, fuel delivery, starting and power takeoff. These systems are required to support overall engine operation yet are often not well understood or covered in college courses. You will leave the class with a newfound, practical perspective on GTE mechanical systems to include improved vocabulary, the important physical principles governing system operation, and the challenging operating, maintenance, and integration environments. Case studies will drive home reasons why these important systems are often top drivers of engine readiness, maintenance, and safety issues. Suitable for anyone with interest (engineer or not) in any gas turbine engine application.
“I did not know much about bearings and seals going into the course. Now I feel confident to the point where I can take part in more conversations, and I know enough to ask more questions.” – Dayton, Ohio
“Liked interactive Learning Objectives at the end of each lesson, lots of good visuals, liked having physical engine parts to pass around and inspect, case studies were good to discuss to see practical application of learned material” – Patuxent River, Maryland
“Knowing how all the secondary systems fit in will better allow me to make informed decisions on making allowances and how they would affect the whole system.” – Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
With clear learning objectives, the course covers the following topics:
- Introduction, Thermodynamics and the Gas Turbine Engine
- Engine Flowpaths and Components – Primary and Secondary
- Secondary Air Systems – Cooling, Heating, Controlling, Sealing
- Gear Systems and Engine-Driven Accessories
- Lubrication and Bearing Systems
- Field Trip (when possible) or In-Class Activity
- Fuel Systems
- Small Group Case Studies
You will be given a set of course notes and a copy of Aircraft Gas Turbine Powerplants Textbook, by Otis and Vosbury. 2.0 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are awarded.
This course is designed for anyone working with GTE applications who wants to gain a practical appreciation for and foundational understanding of these important GTE systems — engineers, scientists, maintenance, repair, overhaul, operational, managers, contracting officers, etc. A building-block approach is used — no prior knowledge is assumed.
In Affiliation with Dr. Jack Mattingly and Dr. Link Jaw, Practical Aeronautics is proud to offer the following continuing education courses for those with a technical background!
Aircraft Engine Systems Design – 3 Courses
Our short courses in Aircraft Engine Systems Design (AESD) may be taken individually or as a 3-class sequence. The classes, listed in order of widest audience applicability, are:
- AESD – Introductory Systems Analysis (16 hr)
- AESD – Intermediate Engine Design (20 hr)
- AESD – Advanced Component Design (36 hr)
Individual course descriptions are provided below. These courses will benefit both young and experienced engineers/scientists who wish to broaden their understanding of the strong interplay between design choices, application, and mission. Analysis and design proceeds in response to a simple Request For Proposal (this can be tailored), which specifies the aircraft performance requirements. We have deliberately designed all three courses with this systems-level perspective in mind. Students work in “design teams” which helps reinforce learning. The mutually supportive roles of analytical tools, iteration, and judgment are clearly demonstrated. The methodology employed reproduces the design process of industry and can be applied to many engine types, while allowing for the free substitution of individual design criteria and calculations.
The courses are based on the popular AIAA Education Series textbook “Aircraft Engine Design, Third Edition,” written by Mattingly, Heiser, Boyer, Haven, and Pratt, published in 2018, and its AEDsys software, both of which are provided to the participants, as are course notes. The textbook is the winner of the 2005 AIAA Summerfield Book Award.