Increasing Efficiency in an Aeronautical Engine through Maintenance Evaluation and Upgrades: Analysis of the Reliability and Performance Improvements under Financial Issues

Abstract

This paper defines a methodology for the evaluation of the technical and economic performance of aeronautical engines through the upgrades introduced during its life. The CFM56 is a high-bypass turbofan engine. The variants share a common design, but the details are different. The fan and booster evolved over the different iterations of the engine, as did the compressor, combustor, and turbine sections. Maintenance consists of the activities carried out during the life cycle of an engine to ensure safe, reliable, and economic operation. Maintenance costs represent 20–25% of an airline’s operating costs, of which 35–40% refer to the engine. The changes in the performance parameters indicate the state of the engine in the medium to long term: for example, it is possible to detect blade fouling or data on vibrations, and highlight changes in the characteristic behavior of an engine. This work investigates the behavior of the performance parameters in the period prior to an engine development event: a comparison is made with the monitoring of engine vibrations. In the conclusions, a final expressive graph makes us aware of the significant progress, over the years, achieved with the methodology here presented.