Why is it hard to develop a jet engine?
It is very difficult to trade off performance demands against the high thermal, mechanical and aerodynamic loads placed on the turbine parts. The hot gas path is so hot that the gas literally softens and melts metal. Naturally, this is a problem when trying to build something made of metal that spins very fast.
Why are jet engines so reliable?
The main reason jet engines are so reliable is that they have far fewer moving parts that rub against other things than any other type of engine. Sliding friction involving main crank bearings, connecting rod bearings, and at the cylinder wall/piston ring interface present is absent in jet engines.
How much does it cost to design a jet engine?
But the cost of developing a new engine, at around $1 billion, resulted in today’s odd mix of competition and collaboration. Airlines prefer competition, to keep costs down, but there are some advantages to doing without it. It means the plane and engine are made for each other, optimising their performance.
Why are jet engines so difficult to manufacture?
Jet engines are not difficult to manufacture. There are more than 30 nations who make or have made jet engines. What is difficult is to design them. To develop all the involved technologies.
Why do jet engines not fly supersonic?
Jet engines cannot operate in supersonic flow conditions, therefore the intakes and ducts of supersonic aircraft need to be designed so that subsonic conditions occur at the engine (Figure 13 ). At the limits of engine performance, it is possible for the airflow into the engine to distort, resulting in an engine surge.
Is China’s jet engine development facing challenges?
However, recent reports show that’s not the case. China is a great example, facing issues with the development of jet engines for their indigenous military aircraft. China’s development of ballpoint pen tips was a national news story in 2017. Source: Xinhua In the age of the Internet and open source, technology moves swiftly around the world.
How do jet engines work?
Jet engine are a precision piece of equipment. The tolerances are very close. The compressor blades are weighed and balanced to prevent vibration. The dove tails at the base have to be loose but a very precise amount between the disc and fan blades. They are changed in a matched set.