Modeling and Simulation
GasTOPS has used engineering simulations to reduce the risk of major machinery developments and improve the effectiveness of equipment operations across a wide spectrum of different industries and machinery applications. Specific examples of past projects include:
- Naval ship propulsion systems;
- Icebreaker propulsion system;
- Aircraft engine and propeller control system;
- Aircraft fuel supply systems;
- Hybrid wind-diesel power plant; and
- Gas Turbine engines.
Naval Ship Propulsion Systems
GasTOPS has "sailed" many different types of naval ship propulsion systems before they were ever built. In doing so, we have shortened design cycles and established test programs to verify the operational characteristics of complex machinery systems.
More specifically, we have developed propulsion and auxiliary system models for destroyers, frigates, corvettes, minehunters, minesweepers, offshore patrol vessels and amphibious landing craft. A wide variety of machinery configurations have been simulated including simple and complex clutching arrangements, unitized and cross-connected gearing arrangements and prime movers such as gas turbines, diesels and electric motors. Both steady state and dynamic models have been used to predict system performance and develop control system strategies and algorithms in a simulated environment. Real-time versions of these simulations have also been used to stimulate and test actual control system hardware in a factory environment prior to installation.
Icebreaker Propulsion Systems
Prior to launching a major and expensive icebreaker development program, GasTOPS was retained by the Canadian Government to examine, via simulation, the effectiveness of specific machinery configurations and their ability to meet desired performance criterion. Computer models were developed for both mechanical and electrical (AC/AC and AC/DC) drive systems to predict steady state and dynamic ship performance in both open water and ice conditions. In-ice effects such as ice milling by the propellers, shaft stalls and ice ramming were also examined.
Aircraft Engine and Propeller Control System
GasTOPS was retained by a major aircraft propeller manufacturer to help them quickly isolate and rectify an operational problem. Both linear and non-linear computer models of the aircraft engine and propeller systems were developed to investigate the occurrence of speed control instabilities and to better understand the cause of these instabilities. Specific modifications designed to remedy the problem were also simulated and subsequently confirmed during aircraft flight tests.
Aircraft Fuel Supply Systems
GasTOPS assisted two industry leading fuel system suppliers with the design of fuel management systems for modern regional aircraft.
Three specific simulation tools were developed:
- The Wing Static model operates as a CATIA Computer Aided Design utility. Using the CATIA design drawings the designer can calculate and visualize the distribution of fuel throughout the tanks and the aircraft Centre of Gravity for any fuel quantity and aircraft attitude.
- The Wing Dynamic model builds on the Wing Static model. Gravity driven flow transients between tanks, and feed and transfer system flows determine the fuel distribution and the resulting CG shifts as the aircraft undergoes changes in attitude and total fuel quantity.
- The Hydraulics/Controls model provides a capability to simulate transient performance of the fuel system hydraulics, and control and monitoring logic. Pressures and flows are calculated throughout the system and for all components of the system. Component models include variable and constant speed pumps, solenoid and check valves, piping friction and minor losses, and elevation head differences. The model also includes dynamic gas turbine models, a standard atmosphere model, and a mission profile model.
These simulations were used by the system design engineers to analyze, visualize and verify their design at various stages throughout the system design/development program.
Click here to see a demonstration of a simulated mission for a modern, long‐range twin‐engine aircraft.
Hybrid Wind-Diesel Power Plant
GasTOPS was contracted by the Canadian Government to investigate the technical and economic viability of wind-diesel power plants. A generalized simulation was developed capable of investigating a variety of wind turbine design configurations, including both horizontal and vertical axis turbines. Simulated steady state and dynamic performance of a specific power plant was validated using experimental data from a prototype installation. An economic model was also developed to estimate the revenues and costs associated with various wind turbine system configurations.
Gas Turbine Engines
GasTOPS has extensive experience in the simulation of gas turbine engines for a variety of purposes including:
- Gas path performance analysis;
- Engine controls design, analysis and testing;
- Condition indicator development; and
- Propulsion system controls design, analysis and testing.
A variety of different gas turbine models of varying configuration have been developed. These include single shaft and two shaft gas generators with and without variable geometry and free power turbines in turbojet, turbofan and various shaft power cycles. Complex cycles involving inter-cooling and regeneration have also been modeled.
With our expertise in gas turbine simulation, we are able to analyze system performance under controlled and repeatable conditions for both "healthy" and "faulted" engine conditions. This capability has significantly improved the cost-effectiveness and time required for gas turbine control and condition monitoring system developments.