Module 15 Gas Turbine Engine study plan

Draw the standard engine station numbering scheme from inlet to exhaust nozzle and label pressure and temperature at each station for a single- and twin-spool engine

Derive thrust from momentum change across the engine and explain how ram drag and pressure thrust terms enter the net thrust equation

Explain the Brayton cycle on a T-s diagram and identify where compressor work, heat addition and turbine work appear

Describe axial compressor stage construction (rotor, stator, casing) and the velocity triangles that produce a pressure rise

Distinguish centrifugal from axial compressors and list two engines or applications where each layout is used

Explain rotating stall and surge as separate phenomena and list the operating conditions that trigger each

Describe at least four design or control features that extend the surge margin (variable inlet guide vanes, bleed valves, casing treatment, compressor map scheduling)

Read a compressor map and locate the surge line, operating line and constant-speed lines

Compare turbojet, turbofan, turboprop and turboshaft layouts by how they convert core energy into thrust or shaft power

Calculate bypass ratio and explain its effect on propulsive efficiency and specific fuel consumption

Describe the combustion process from fuel injection through primary, intermediate and dilution zones and state the purpose of each zone

Compare can-annular, annular and cannular combustor types by construction, cooling and flame stability

Explain the operation of simplex, duplex and airspray fuel nozzles and the role of the swirler in atomisation

Identify turbine nozzle guide vanes and rotor blades and explain why the first stage nozzle is often cooled

Describe film cooling, impingement cooling and internal convection paths in a turbine blade and the source of that cooling air

Explain blade tip clearance, its effect on efficiency, and how active clearance control manages it

Distinguish rated thrust, flat-rated thrust and derated thrust and explain when each is used

Compute specific fuel consumption from thrust and fuel flow and explain why it varies with altitude and Mach number

Explain how takeoff, maximum continuous and idle ratings are defined and what limits each (EGT, torque, N1, N2)

Interpret EGT margin, exhaust gas temperature spread and how trend monitoring detects deterioration

Describe vibration sources in a gas turbine and how vibration indication is interpreted

Explain how trend monitoring data is used to schedule maintenance before a limit is exceeded

Describe convergent and convergent-divergent exhaust nozzles and explain when each is appropriate

Explain the operating sequence of a target-type and a cascade-type thrust reverser, including the interlocks that prevent inadvertent deployment

Identify the failure modes of thrust reversers and the indication or warning that reveals each

Classify rolling-element and hydrodynamic bearings by load type and explain how each is lubricated and cooled

Explain labyrinth, carbon seal and brush seal operation and how clearance and wear affect oil consumption

Describe a dry-sump and a wet-sump lubrication system and the function of the oil cooler, filter and chip detector

Trace fuel flow from tank through boost pump, fuel-oil heat exchanger, high-pressure pump, fuel control unit and metering valve to the nozzles

Explain the function of the fuel control unit and how a FADEC replaces hydro-mechanical governing with electronic scheduling

Describe the FADEC architecture including channel redundancy, power supply and reversion modes

Identify bleed air sources and users including cabin pressurisation, anti-ice, engine cooling and starting

Explain how bleed extraction affects thrust and surge margin and why bleed valves are scheduled during acceleration

Describe the engine anti-ice system and the indication that confirms it is operating

Describe the start sequence from motoring through light-off to idle and the parameters monitored at each step

Compare air turbine, electric and cartridge starters by construction and typical application

Explain exciter, igniter plug and ignition unit operation and when continuous ignition is selected

Identify a hung start, hot start and no-light condition and state the corrective action for each

Interpret engine indication limits and explain how exceedance is recorded and reported

Re-derive the relationship between thrust, mass flow and velocity and apply it to a derated takeoff scenario

Review every domain summary sheet and rewrite from memory the key facts for each of the eleven domains

Complete a timed 60-question mixed practice set across all domains and score at least 80 percent

Re-study the two weakest domains identified by the practice score and correct each missed concept in writing

Explain aloud, without notes, the full operating cycle of a turbofan engine from inlet to nozzle in under five minutes