Parametric study of online aero-engine washing systems

Online aero-engine washing is an advanced way to remove the compressor fouling, which is specified in the AMM (Aircraft Maintenance Manual). The effect of Aero-engine washing would be influenced by the characterization of liquid sheet. A numerical method is put forward to simulate the motion of liquid drop in the aero-engine when the particles enter into the front of the engine from nozzle. The study includes air flow analysis inside the compressor and the droplets motion calculations injected into the air flow. By changing the inlet pressure and droplet diameter, changes of droplet velocity and motion can be observed. The results shows that the liquid flow in the aero-engine is not effected by the input pressure. Heat and mass of droplets will loss greatly when droplets are in sizes of 50 microns. Conversely, in sizes of 500 microns, droplets can keep their heat and mass well. The results can be used to design the on-line aero-engine washing systems.