Development of Computational Fluid Dynamics Methodology to predict the two-phase flow in Aero-Engine Bearing Chamber

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. As a part of the lubrication system, an aero-engine has bearing chambers whose principal function is containing oil and preventing oil leakages. Inside the bearing chamber is found a mixture of air-oil. The analysis of this air-oil mixture inside bearing chambers is of great interest to reduce the oil consumption, avoids oil leakages and overheating. The overheating of bearing chambers might be generated due to long oil residence time. The overheating might cause oil degradation, and leads to oil-air exothermic reactions. Thus, ability to model such bearing chambers computationally is desirable to predict the oil distribution and oil-air interaction to avoid overheating and an efficient oil distribution. The aim of this research is investigate models to improve the current Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) methodologies and to predict the bearing chamber oil patterns such as ligament formation, ligament breakup, oil droplets trajectories, oil droplets impact, thin film formation and recirculation zones formed in the gas phase.

Faculty Supervisor:

Bruno Blais

Student:

Partner:

Pratt & Whitney;Pratt & Whitney Canada

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Aerospace; Clean Technology; Oil and Gas

University:

Polytechnique Montréal

Program: