Research on Modeling of a Micro Variable-Pitch Turboprop Engine Based on Rig Test Data

Abstract

Exact component characteristics are required for establishing an accurate component level aeroengine model. When component characteristics is lacking, the dynamic coefficient method based on test data, is suitable for establishing a single-input and single-output aeroengine model. When it is applied to build multiple-input, multiple-output aeroengine models, some parameters are assumed to be unchanged, which causes large error. An improved modeling method based on rig data is proposed to establish a double-input, double-output model for a micro variable-pitch turboprop engine. The input variables are fuel flow and pitch angle, and the output variables are rotational speeds of the core engine and the propeller. First, in order to gather modeling data, a test bench is designed and rig tests are carried out. Then, two conclusions are obtained by analyzing the rig data, based on which, the power turbine output is taken as the function of the core speed and the propeller speed. The established model has the property that the input variables can vary arbitrarily within the defined domain, without any restriction to the output variables. Simulation results showed that the model has a high dynamic and steady-state accuracy. The maximum error was less than 8%. The real-time performance was greatly improved, compared to the component level model.