The intern will assess computer-based simulation tools used by a leading Canadian aerospace organization to determine the accuracy of these tools. Specifically, the objective is to establish the extent to which these engineering tools can be used to capture the performance benefits of novel aerodynamic design strategies recently developed at Carleton University for aerodynamic shaping of inter-turbine ducts and compact exhaust diffusers, which are two components used on gas-turbine engines.

The primary role of the lubrication system of aero-engines is to remove the excess heat generated by the movement of the bearings, gears and shafts. An aircraft engine has bearing chambers to contain the oil used for lubrication and excess heat removal. Inefficient scavenging of the oil out of the bearing chamber can result in overheating of the bearing chamber parts. A better understanding of the flow phenomena of the air and oil mixture in the bearing chamber can allow better chamber design and bearing controls to avoid overheating by scavenging the oil out efficiently.

According to the existing airworthiness standards, aircraft turbofan engine certification must demonstrate its ability to contain a fan blade should the blade accidentally separate under critical operating conditions. P&WC has established a full engine computational analysis process. In the continuing evolution of this modelling process, several areas requiring improvement have been identified as critical.

The abradable rub strip (ARS) material’s main function is to minimize the clearance between blade tips and the fan case, thereby increasing the overall engine efficiency. Under tensile and compressive loading, the abradable material behaves different, and has a significant post-failure compaction under compressive loading. Therefore, its characterization is complex and requires a wide range of testing. The intern will help develop the test plan for standard and non-standard mechanical tests per standards.

Vibration of aircraft engine is the major contribution to the structure vibration in an aircraft. To reduce the cabin noise and improve the comfortability for air passenger, research design and analysis are desired in the engine technology. A critical component in eliminating the vibration in an aero engine is the squeeze film damper (SFD). Current SFD models are oversimplified to describe the practical issues related to the phenomenon of air entrainment and turbulence flows.

Additive manufacturing (AM), 3D printing, offers flexibility in manufacturing and can process a wide range of materials. In this project, polymers and composites are investigated to increase mechanical performance, and to reduce weight, cost, and lead time of candidate parts. Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) can greatly benefit from AM processes in aircraft engine components. In addition, AM can shorten the engine design cycle, and Research and Development (R&D) activities. This requires investigation of 3D printed parts and the impact of manufacturing parameters on final part properties, e.g.

The future of aerospace technology relies on us investing in lighter, more fuel-efficient materials that can operate at hotter temperature with greater corrosion resistance. One such alloy that has the potential to meet these needs is the new aluminum alloy A205. In this work we aim to develop a hard anodising process for the A205 alloy, enabling it to perform in more demanding environments. The hard anodising surface treatment will combine corrosion resistance with wear resistance opening up new avenues of applications for the A205 material.

This research project between the University of Windsor and Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is focused on a porous composite material used by aircraft engine manufacturers in the design of fancases of turbofan engines. The objective of the project is two-fold and includes 1) experimentally investigating the behavior of the composite material at different loading conditions; and 2) identifying a model that can be used to represent this material in fan blade-off simulations.

Oil that has passed through the bearings and gearboxes of aircraft engines is recycled by a specialized oil scavenging system that separates droplets dispersed from the shaft from air and particulate matter. This process helps to mitigate the emissions of aircraft engines, greatly improves oil consumption and Improves working life by improving the cooling capabilities of the lubrication system.

The aero-engine design process is highly iterative, multidisciplinary and complex in nature. The success of an engine depends on a carefully balanced design that best exploits the interactions between numerous traditional engineering disciplines such as aerodynamics and structures as well as lifecycle analysis of cost, manufacturability, serviceability and supportability. Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) is the world leader in the design and manufacturing of small aero-engines.