Title: Developments in civil aviation propulsion

Authors: D. Pickerell

Addresses: Director of Engineering, Civil Engine Group, Rolls-Royce Limited, UK

Abstract: Over the thirty years in which gas turbine aero engines have been in service fuel efficiency has been improved by nearly 40% and specific weight has been improved by about the same amount. These improvements have followed progressive changes in engine configuration, from straight turbojets, through low bypass ratio engines to the present high bypass ratio turbofan. The question asked here is: Has the aero gas turbine reached the point at which no further substantial improvements are feasible? This paper attempts to answer this question by exploring the fundamental parameters that determine fuel efficiency and some potential powerplants of the future.

Keywords: aeroengine technology; civil aviation; future trends; gas turbines; jet propulsion; engine configuration; fuel efficiency.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.1986.061148

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 1986 Vol.7 No.1/2, pp.163 - 179

Published online: 25 May 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article