Propulsion and Power Research

Airbreathing aero-engines are regarded as excellent propulsion devices from ground takeoff to hypersonic flight, and require control systems to ensure their efficient and safe operation. Therefore, the present paper aims to provide a summary report of recent research progress on airbreathing aero-engine control to help researchers working on this topic. First, five control problems of airbreathing aero-engines are classified: uncertainty problem, multi-objective and multivariable control, fault-tolerant control, distributed control system, and airframe/propulsion integrated control system. Subsequently, the research progress of aircraft gas turbine engine modelling, linear control, nonlinear control, and intelligent control is reviewed, and the advantages and disadvantages of various advanced control algorithms in aircraft gas turbine engines is discussed. Third, several typical hypersonic flight tests are investigated, and the modelling and control issues of dual-mode scramjet are examined. Fourth, modelling, mode transition control and thrust pinch control for turbine-based combined cycle engines are introduced. Followed, significant hypersonic airframe/propulsion integrated system control is analysed. Finally, the study provides specific control research topics that require attention on airbreathing aero-engines.

Recent research progress on airbreathing aero-engine control algorithm