Integrated Test and Evaluation Techniques as Applied to an Inlet Swirl Investigation Using the F109 Gas Turbine Engine Available to Purchase

With increasing emphasis on streamlining the acquisition process, ground-test centers like the Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) are re-evaluating their roles in the development of aerospace systems. Instead of merely providing data from ground-test facilities, the new emphasis challenges AEDC to become a team member that provides knowledge for risk management and decision making during the development and operation of an aerospace system. As a key link in the transition from a laboratory or design concept to an operational system, the capabilities of a ground-test center can provide a tremendous opportunity to reduce the time and cost involved in flight vehicle system development. AEDC has aggressively accepted the challenge and has developed an Integrated Test and Evaluation (IT&E) approach to support aerospace system development efforts. This paper focuses on an integrated test and evaluation process in a joint test and analysis effort between AEDC, the USAF Academy and Honeywell. This paper reports on the role of gas turbine engine/compressor numerical simulations in the test, analysis, and evaluation process in conjunction with an investigation to discern the effects of inlet swirl on the F109 turbofan engine performance and operability.