Python based app that takes user inputs for flight and engine parameters, performs stage-by-stage thermodynamic calculations, and displays key performance metrics and plots of temperature and pressure across the engine.
- Calculates thrust, exhaust velocity, required fuel mass flow rate, specific fuel consumption, thermal efficiency, propulsive efficiency, and overall efficiency.
- Visualizes temperature and pressure throughout the engine cycle with graphs.
- Uses a GUI built on Tkinter for easy usage
- Dynamically created GUI allowing for easy addition of inputs or performance metrics
This project was an independent, self-directed study of turbojet engines, applying the fields of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics in order to accurately calculate various performance metrics.
I began this project with zero thermodynamics or fluid dynamics knowledge. I used the foundation of my high-school physics, calculus, and chemistry classes to teach myself from the ground up the knowledge I would need in order to perform an accurate analysis of a turbojet engine, using the ideal Brayton cycle.
My goal was to not simply be able to plug in inputs and output arbitrary numbers, but to actually understand the underlying thermodynamic concepts and processes behind a turbojet engine, as well as understand the derivation of common equations, such as for thrust.
I decided to consolidate my learning into a Python app to practice my coding, as well as create a functional tool that can be used to explore how various design choices impact the performance and efficiency of a turbojet engine. This helped me gain some insight into real design tradeoffs that engineers face when designing and buildling a real jet engine.
Initial GUI:
Example Input & Output:
Note: numbers are not based off any real life engine.
Run the Python app: -> python src/main.py
Suggested Inputs:
Airspeed: 900 km/h
Altitude: 10,000 m
Inlet Area: 0.45 m^2
Compressor Pressure Ratio: 20
Turbine Inlet Temperature: 1400 K
Compressor Isentropic Efficiency: 90%
Turbine Isentropic Efficiency: 90%
Fuel Combustion Efficiency: 99%
Fuel Type: JP-8
Please note that with certain numbers, the app may output nonreal numbers. This is due to certain parameters causing unrealistic physics, such as the compressor pressure ratio, turbine temperature, or others.