Adjoint optimisation of aero engine fuel passages

Aero engines can suffer from deposition growth over time, resulting in suboptimal engine heat management, spray patternation and hot spots. This can lead to increased NOx emissions to the environment, and therefore require the need for downtime and maintenance.

Shape optimisation methods such as adjoint have been employed to create optimal designs in a number of areas. The work in this project aims to investigate shape optimisation of fuel passages to reduce propensity for fuel deposition on wetted surfaces. Optimal designs can be achieved by maximising wall shear stresses to minimise deposition growth, while at the same time reducing pressure losses.

The results from this work can lead to advanced designs which will actively minimise deposit formation, while maintaining effective heat management and high combustion efficiency. Ultimately this can lead to significant cost savings and reduced emissions to the environment.