Jet Engines

Jet engines is a course on the Aeroengines especialization taught at the University of León in the third year of the Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering. It consists of a total of 6 ECTS credits and provides a more in-depth study of the design characteristics of gas turbine engines, those derived from gas generators. To this end, it not only studies engine behavior with realistic approximations using different efficiency definitions, but also serves as a basis for making design decisions at engine component level..

General objectives

The aim of this course is to understand the behavior of the gas turbine engine using realistic approximations and the impact of different component design characteristics.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Understand the different gas-generator-based engine architectures used in aviation.
  • Understand real-world engine approximations of jet engines.
  • Understand the design characteristics of engine components and their impact on engine performance.
  • Apply theoretical and practical tools to evaluate the performance of different architectures.

Contenidos y estructura

The course is structured into five thematic blocks:

  1. Introduction to jet engines and their architectures
    Historical introduction and evolution of the jet engine and review of typical configurations used in aviation.

  2. General equations and energy studies
    Development of the basic principles of jet engine propulsion and its general equations.

  3. Approximations to the real cycle
    Definition and application of models that adapt the ideal Brayton cycle to a behavior closer to reality.

  4. Engine component architecture and performance
    Diffusers, axial and radial compressors, combustion and afterburner chambers, axial turbines, and nozzles.

  5. Component performance
    Compressor-turbine shaft coupling and component maps.

Teaching methodology

The course combines several teaching strategies:

  • Lectures for theoretical content and conceptual development.

  • Problem-solving sessions to apply analytical methods to real-world scenarios.

  • Laboratory practices, including:

    • Engine performance models based of different architectures and real-engine aproximations.
    • Engine data acquisition using a test bench for the Olympus HP turbine

  • Group and individual tutorials to support student learning and clarify complex topics.

The course emphasizes active learning and the development of both technical and transversal skills, such as critical thinking, teamwork, and scientific communication.