The design space exploration of a 2-spool turbofan engine
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Date
2026-10-07
Authors
Τσιέρης, Χρήστος Νικόλαος
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Abstract
The preliminary design of modern turbofan engines involves the evaluation of a large number of interdependent thermodynamic and operational parameters. Variations in quantities such as bypass ratio, pressure ratio, component efficiency, mass flow, and turbine temperature can significantly affect fuel consumption, thrust production, and engine operability. Consequently, the identification of suitable engine configurations requires a systematic exploration of the design space rather than the isolated examination of individual parameters. This thesis investigates the design space exploration of two-spool turbofan engines through an automated computational framework coupling MATLAB with an engine simulation deck. The methodology combines Design-Point and Off-Design performance analysis with numerical optimization techniques. Genetic Algorithm and Particle Swarm Optimization are applied to single-objective optimization problems, while the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II is employed for multi-objective optimization and the generation of Pareto fronts. The developed methodology is applied to two representative commercial turbofan architectures, the GE90-115B and the LEAP-1B27. For each case study, a baseline thermodynamic model is established and a set of design variables, performance objectives, and operational constraints is defined. The optimization process is then used to investigate alternative engine configurations and to evaluate the interaction between fuel consumption, thrust capability, pressure ratios, thermal limits, and component performance.The results demonstrate the importance of considering both Design-Point and Off-Design behaviour during preliminary turbofan cycle analysis. In addition, the multi-objective studies illustrate the inherent trade-off between fuel consumption and thrust capability and show how Pareto-front analysis can support the selection of representative compromise configurations. Overall, the study demonstrates the usefulness of automated optimization as a tool for systematic turbofan design space exploration and preliminary cycle assessment.
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Keywords
Design space exploration, Turbofan engines, Gas turbine performance, Single objective optimization, Multi objective optimization