High Altitude Testing of Aircraft Engines

Synopsis:

This short course will explain the role of altitude test facilities in the development and sustainment of turbine engine technology. Examples of altitude test programs will be briefly reviewed to highlight the cost and risk reduction potential of the altitude test. A brief description of the Arnold Engineering Development Center’s Engine Test Facility (EFT) will illustrate the complexity of the facilities required for a successful altitude test. The importance of pretest planning and program management to produce meaningful results will be discussed in detail and will be a major subtext throughout the course. The critical measurements that are typically required in the altitude test will be described at an intermediate level. The role of engine models in support of test planning, data validation, and data analysis will be discussed. The importance of estimating data uncertainty and confidence level of test results through sound application of statistical techniques will be presented.

Key Topics:

• Justification for simulated altitude testing
• Description of typical altitude test facilities
• Typical test techniques to meet specific program objectives
• Critical turbine test measurements
• The role of modeling, data validation, and data uncertainty estimates in the test planning and decision making process

Who Should Attend:

This course is intended for engineers and managers working in military or commercial turbine engine development, maintenance, or procurement. Government and industry representatives seeking to expand their understanding of the role and value of simulated altitude testing will benefit from this course. Course material will be geared for participants with an engineering background or a reasonable working knowledge of turbine engines.

Course Information:

Type of Course: Instructor-Led Short Course
Course Level: Intermediate
Course Length: 2 days
AIAA CEU's available: Yes