Aero Engine Acoustics

IAC Acoustics leads the market in both the design and build of test cells for uninstalled aero-engines and the adaptation and upgrading of existing test cells to give them the capability to handle new and/or different engine types.

IAC Aviaton serves military and civil aircraft operators as well as aero-engine manufacturers and maintenance, repair and operations (MROs). Uninstalled engine test facilities are ideal for the following engine types:

 

  • turbo shaft
  • turbo jet
  • turbo fan
  • turbo prop

 

While multi-engine testing is a common requirement, every aero-engine test cell from IAC Aviation is customised to suit a specific client need.

APU Testing Facilities

Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) provide a source of energy to start the main engines in most jet aircraft, military vehicles, rockets, and spacecraft. In addition, the APU can provide a supply of energy to non-propulsion systems when the main engine is non-operational. Testing of such equipment is essential to ensure the reliability and functionality of the APU. In a typical test scenario, engineers ignite and power up the APU with different conditions to verify that thrust generation, fuel consumption, vibration, and other operational characteristics are conforming to design.

 

Engineers isolate APUs, which are high-powered engines, in a special cell of the test facility away from control equipment and personnel for operational safety. A typical APU test facility manages the process signals and transducers. These signals relate to the control and measurement of engine fuel, power, and speed.

Typical components of an Aero-Engine Test Facility

A typical Aero-Engine Test Facility from IAC Aviation contains:

  • State of the art data acquisition system
  • Externally pumped and conditioned water cooling system
  • Bulk fuel storage and fuel conditioning system
  • Air conditioned control cabin
  • Total acoustic engineering
  • Ergonomically designed control console
  • Power and mains distribution
  • Neutral testing arrangement enabling differing engine types to be accommodated
  • Fire protection system

Talk to us today

Please contact us for advice relating to your new project.

Scott Simmons

+44 (0) 1962 873018
+44 (0) 7803 234084

 

Draken Europe, Bournemouth Airport

IAC Aviation recently completed a recommissioning project for Draken Europe, located at Bournemouth Airport. IAC had originally built and commissioned the CF700 Engine Test Facility in 1990 but the lack of use and the coastal corrosive environment had led to the facility being completely unusable. IAC were contracted to assess, recommend, and complete essential repairs and upgrades to return the facility to full working order.

In all my days at IAC, I have not seen an exhaust system in worse condition!

IAC Managing Director – Fraser Alexander 

IAC used their archives to uncover historic drawing information about the exhaust system to provide the baseline data with which to work from and inform replacement components and repair processes without affecting the original geometry to ensure aerodynamic performance.

Column bases were strengthened, full height acoustic lining was designed and installed creating a new exhaust stack with an improved maintenance door and a new exhaust blast basket was also installed. The test cell and control room was also renovated with new hardware, updated software and an complete overhaul of the control desk.  

 

Before

IAC Acoustics have also offered complete maintenance and support contract for the refurbished IAC equipment and data acquisition system, covering routine inspections, data system calibration to keep the facility in top condition for years to come.

IAC can address all your engine test facility needs – whether it be new build, refurbishment, upgrades or adaptation of existing equipment for additional engine types.  From Concept, through to commissioning, IAC have the expertise to provide the solution you need.

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