Performance evaluation and thermodynamic characterization of a 1-SP mixed turbofan aero engine

This study presents the performance evaluation and thermodynamic characterization of a single-spool (1-SP) mixed turbofan aero engine using GasTurb14 simulation software. The increasing demand for efficient and reliable aircraft propulsion systems has encouraged the development and analysis of turbofan engine configurations with improved thermodynamic performance. In this study, a 1-SP mixed turbofan engine was modeled and analyzed based on its geometric configuration, thermodynamic cycle behavior, and propulsion characteristics. The simulation was conducted using several input parameters, including fan pressure ratio, compressor pressure ratio, burner exit temperature, bypass ratio, and component efficiencies. The engine configuration consisted of the inlet, fan, compressor, combustor, turbine, bypass duct, mixer, and exhaust nozzle. Thermodynamic analyses were performed using Temperature–Entropy (TS), Enthalpy–Entropy (HS), and Pressure–Volume (PV) diagrams to evaluate the compression, combustion, expansion, and mixing processes occurring within the engine cycle. The results demonstrated that the mixed-flow turbofan configuration provided effective airflow mixing between the bypass stream and the core exhaust flow before entering the nozzle. The TS and HS diagrams indicated significant temperature and enthalpy increases during combustion, followed by energy extraction in the turbine section. Meanwhile, the PV diagram showed substantial pressure increases during compression and pressure reductions during turbine expansion. The mixed-flow configuration also contributed to smoother thermodynamic transitions and reduced exhaust energy losses, leading to improved propulsive efficiency. Overall, the simulation results confirmed that the 1-SP mixed turbofan engine exhibited stable thermodynamic behavior and satisfactory propulsion performance. Furthermore, GasTurb14 proved to be an effective tool for preliminary aero-engine performance analysis and thermodynamic visualization.