Using simulation to support knowledge acquisition and skills development of gas turbine engineers and technologists

Abstract

Simulation has developed into an attractive tool to support engineering learning and skills development. In the early phases of their learning curve, students studying Gas Turbines may easily identify the basic engine components, but may struggle with how the ancillaries support the complicated and instrumented engine operation. Being software based, however, simulators can prove a cost effective alternative to static engine test rigs that eliminates the need for constant supervision, and allow for efficient exploration of engine operation. These sophisticated educational tools make use of 3-dimensional visualisation techniques to map out various aero-thermodynamic properties within engine components in real time. In addition, they permit changing the engine base parameters and provide for failure analysis. The object of this paper is to report, both qualitatively and quantitatively, on how simulation enhanced the learning experience of Gas Turbine Engineering and Technology students and how enjoyable these experiences were.