China has completed ground and altitude tests of an adaptive cycle engine prototype with unprecedented thrust, efficiency and speed range, according to presentations at the Chinese Society of Engineering Thermophysics annual conference in Beijing last week.
During the opening day report, Xu Gang, deputy director of the Institute of Engineering Thermophysics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, presented his team’s research progress in adaptive cycle engine (ACE) technology.
This advanced engine is poised to become the ideal power plant for next-generation fighter aircraft and future supersonic civilian transport, challenging a field long dominated by the United States.
Xu said in his report summary that his institute had pioneered “bypass combustion and inter-stage mixing variable-mode engine technology.
This breakthrough overcomes the severe thrust attenuation of traditional turbine engines at high altitudes and speeds.
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The engine can achieve supersonic cruise at high Mach numbers and also serve as the high-speed turbine component for combined-cycle propulsion systems, resolving the “thrust trap” issue in such systems.
Notably, the competing US approach uses a dual-bypass architecture, while the Chinese system features a novel three-stream design.
The key characteristic of this third stream is its lower-temperature airflow, which can be used to extract more power, achieve superior thermal management, reduce installation drag, improve inlet pressure recovery, lower exhaust temperature, and diminish infrared signature.
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The engine functions in two separate modes: Mode 1, where the primary combustor is on for subsonic flight, and Mode 2, where the bypass combustor is active for supersonic flight.
Data from Xu's presentation indicated that ground tests revealed a 27.6 percent rise in specific thrust, whereas high-altitude tests showed a 47 percent enhancement. Fuel consumption was decreased by 37.5 percent when compared to a baseline engine.
An examination of a chart showing the connection between Mach number and adjusted airflow revealed that this engine is capable of functioning at velocities reaching Mach 4.
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Xu has been deeply involved in basic technology research for light turbine-driven aviation propulsion systems, combustion processes, and comprehensive engine design. He has served as the lead engineer for various turbojet and turbofan engine projects.