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Turbine Engines and Thermodynamics

  • Module code: AE6001
  • Year: 2018/9
  • Level: 6
  • Credits: 30
  • Pre-requisites: None
  • Co-requisites: None

Summary

The principles of operation of gas turbine engines are examined using fundamental laws of physics and the performance of a range of aircraft propulsion systems are assessed. The module also looks at the construction of typical engines by examining the various component parts (stages) of engines in detail. The layout and operation of engine systems (fuel, lubrication, air distribution, anti-icing, starting, ignition, power augmentation and fire systems) are also studied followed by engine monitoring, ground operation and storage. The engines element of the module concludes by examining the construction and operation of typical engine measuring and indication systems. The material covered should enable the student to inspect the various engine stages and systems and make independent decisions regarding their serviceability.

The module follows with a look at the aerodynamics principles of propellers, their construction and performance, before looking at propeller assemblies and associated control and monitoring systems. Topics covered include: propeller pitch control, over-speed mechanisms, protection devices, synchronising and synchrophasing.

The depth of study is sufficient to enable system serviceability to be confirmed and basic faults to be investigated so that the action necessary to restore the system to a serviceable condition can be taken.

 

Aims

The aims of this module are to give students an in-depth knowledge and understanding of:

  • Thermodynamics and gas turbine engine theory sufficient for them assess the performance of aircraft propulsion systems.
  • Aircraft turbine engines and propeller systems, and their control and monitoring systems, sufficient for them to analyses the operation of the systems and identify and diagnoses defects, and carry out scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and defect rectification.
  • Aircraft gas turbine engines and propellers sufficient for them to pass aviation authority engineering licence examinations at category B level.

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:

  • Explain the principles of operation of the jet engine using fundamental laws of physics and compare and contrast the construction and operation of typical aircraft gas turbine engines.
  • Assess the performance of a range of aircraft propulsion systems.
  • Assess the serviceability of aircraft gas turbine engines and diagnose and identify defects by analysing data from checks, tests and engine monitoring systems.
  • Compare and contrast the construction and performance of typical aircraft propellers, explain the operation of propeller control and monitoring systems and analyse the operation of systems to assess their serviceability.
  • Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the subject matter in the EASA Part-66 syllabuses for Gas Turbine Engines and Propellers (modules 15 and 17).

Curriculum content

This module covers the contents of the EASA Part-66 syllabus for Module 15 - Gas Turbine Engine and Module 17 - Propeller to the category B1.1 licence level.

Topics include but are not limited to:

  • Gas turbine engine theory and performance.
  • Construction arrangements and operation of turbojet, turbofan, turboshaft and turboprop engines and auxiliary power units (APUs).
  • The stages of a turbine engine: inlet, compressor, combustion, turbine and exhaust.
  • Engines bearings, seals, lubricants and fuels.
  • Engine systems: lubrication, fuel, air, starting, ignition, indicating, power augmentation, and fire protection.
  • Engine monitoring, ground operation, storage and preservation.
  • Propeller theory.
  • Propeller construction, ice and rain protection, storage and preservation.
  • Propeller pitch control, synchronising and synchrophasing.
  • Propeller maintenance including: static and dynamic balancing, tracking, damage assessment and repair schemes and propeller engine running.

Teaching and learning strategy

The learning outcomes of this module will be achieved primarily through a series of lectures. Students will be provided with comprehensive teaching material and a collection of short-answer questions based on the course material. Students will be guided through the theory in class and will be expected to work through the questions in their own time. Feedback from regular, informal in-class tests and a series of summative in-class tests will enable students to gauge their level of knowledge and understanding and will help them to prepare for the written examination that takes place at the end of the module.

The written coursework associated with this module provides another opportunity for students to practice and demonstrate their writing skills and receive feedback before the production and submission of their individual project report: a substantial piece of written work.

Given the nature of the material in this module, video and other electronic media will be used to enhance the delivery and raise student interest whenever possible.  

Breakdown of Teaching and Learning Hours

Definitive UNISTATS Category Indicative Description Hours
Scheduled learning and teaching Lectures/Tutorials 120
Guided independent study 180
Total (number of credits x 10) 300

Assessment strategy

The summative assessment for this module will comprise a portfolio of in-class tests (two 1hr short ans. in-class tests, 10% each), a written assignment, and an end-of-module examination.

The in-class tests will be used to gauge the student's knowledge and understanding of the subject matter and will enable teaching staff to manage the teaching and learning particularly during revision periods. The written assignment provides another  opportunity to assess the students writing skills.

The end-of-module examination will be a three-hour two-part paper (part-1 (50%) short answer questions worth 1 to 10 marks each, part-2 (50%) answer 2 from 3 essay questions) covering all of the module learning outcomes.

The summative in-class tests and written assignment will also be formative with students being given the marks from the assessment and feedback on it. as well as summative. The results and feedback from the in-class tests and assignment will help students to prepare for the final examination and feedback from the assignment will inform students of how they performed and identify areas of weakness that they need to work on.

The summative in-class tests and the assignment will also be formative because students will be given the marks and feedback on the assessment to enable them to gauge their level of knowledge and understanding and prepare for the end of module examination. In addition, students will be given informal in-class tests during lectures and will have tutorial questions they can complete in their own time. Feedback of the assignment, when compared with previous feedback, will enable students to see how their communication skills are developing.

Assessment - Aviation Authority Approved programmes

Students completing this module on an aviation authority approved training course will be expected to complete all of the assessment associated with the approved course. A failure to do may result in a loss of the benefits associated with study on an aviation authority approved course.

Details of the assessment students are required to complete on aviation authority approved courses will be given in the relevant course handbook issued at the start of the course. It should be noted that aviation authority assessment will be changed, if and when necessary, to ensure continued compliance with the approval.

Mapping of Learning Outcomes to Assessment Strategy (Indicative)

Learning Outcome Assessment Strategy
1. Explain the principles of operation of the jet engine using fundamental laws of physics and compare and contrast the construction and operation of typical aircraft gas turbine engines. Coursework Written exam
2. Assess the performance of a range of aircraft propulsion systems. Coursework Written exam
3. Assess the serviceability of aircraft gas turbine engines and diagnose and identify defects by analysing data from checks, tests and engine monitoring systems. Coursework Written exam
4. Compare and contrast the construction and performance of typical aircraft propellers, explain the operation of propeller control and monitoring systems and analyse the operation of systems to assess their serviceability. Coursework Written exam
5. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the subject matter in the EASA Part-66 syllabuses for Gas Turbine Engines and Propellers (modules 15 and 17). Coursework Written exam

Elements of Assessment

Description of Assessment Definitive UNISTATS Categories Percentage
Written exam Written exam 50%
Portfolio of in-class tests (2 tests10% each) Written exam 20%
Written assignment Coursework 30%
Total (to equal 100%) 100%

Achieving a pass

It IS NOT a requirement that any element of assessment is passed separately in order to achieve an overall pass for the module.

Bibliography core texts

The module teaching notes issued to students by the course team at the start of the module.

Aircraft Maintenance Manuals and troubleshooting manuals.

Bibliography recommended reading

Rolls Royce plc (2005) The Jet engine. 5th ed. Rolls Royce Technical Publications.
ISBN-13 978-0902121232

Delp, F (1979)  Aircraft propellers and controls. Jeppeson. ISBN-13 978-0891000976

Otis C.E. (2010). Aircraft Gas Turbine Powerplants Textbook. Jeppeson
ISBN-13 978-0884875536

Jeppesen  Sanderson Inc (2003)  A & P Technician Powerplant Textbook. Jeppeson.
ISBN-13 978-0884873389

Hunecke K. (1997) Jet Engines - Fundamentals of Theory Design and Operations. The Crowood Press Ltd. ISBN-13 978-1853108341

Aviation Authority Approval - Course Material

Aviation authorities normally require approved training organisations to produce and maintain training material for the modules associated with the courses they deliver under their approval.  Students on aviation authority approved courses will be provided with training material in accordance with the requirements of the approval and the conditions specified by the training organisation. Partner organisations may charge for this material.

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