A Method for Thermodynamic Work Potential Analysis of Aircraft Engines

The objective of this paper is to provide a tool to facilitate the application of thermodynamic work potential methods to aircraft and engine analysis. This starts with a discussion of the theoretical background underlying these methods, which is then used to derive various equations useful for thermodynamic analysis of aircraft engines. The work potential analysis method is implemented in the form of a set of working charts and tables than can be used to graphically evaluate work potential stored in high-enthalpy gas. The range of validity for these charts is 300 to 36,000 o R, pressures between 0.01 and 100 atm, and fuel-air ratios from zero to stoichiometric. The derivations and charts assume mixtures of Jet-A and air as the working fluid. The thermodynamic properties presented in these charts were calculated based upon standard thermodynamic curve fits.