Investigation of miniature turbojet engine

Abstract

Miniature jet engines present a wide range of applications in modern aviation. Due to its relative simplicity, compactness and high power-to-weight ratio, it is used to propel many existing Unmanned Aerial vehicles (UAVs) and cruise missiles. For those same reasons, they have great potential in education settings such as for developmental/analysis purposes and as a learning tool for students on the fundamental operating principles of gas turbines and turbojet engines. This purpose of this project is to understand the basic characteristics of miniature engines and explore the feasibility and possible methodology for the construction, operation and testing of such an engine in NTU. Firstly, basic principles such the Brayton cycle and jet propulsion cycle were reviewed and examined to determine how the effect of scale differentiates miniature engine operation from that of full-scaled engines. This was followed by a comparison of existing miniature engines to determine the best design for the requirements of the project. Attempts were then made to fabricate all the components based on availability of materials and machining processes.