Turbine Engine Thrust Measurements Using a Non-Intrusive Acoustic Technique

Abstract

Experiments were conducted to measure the thrust generated from a commercial jet engine. This thrust estimation was done using a pneumatic horn as the sound source with two arrays of microphones directly across the exhaust stream. The two arrays were separated by an axial distance downstream. Exhaust centerline measurements were taken at varying engine conditions, specifically; 30%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80% and 100% engine power. An acoustic thrust estimation showed good agreement with measured thrust during the test campaign. In addition, a full traverse of the acoustic rig through the exhaust stream was completed for the purpose of tomography reconstruction. This reconstruction technique was able to pick up key features of the flow field.