Drag and thrust calculation of a turbofan engine for medium-range aircraft using flight data recorder data

AYDIN E., Ermeydan A., Turan O.

Energy, cilt.335, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 335
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.energy.2025.137887
  • Dergi Adı: Energy
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Applied Science & Technology Source, Aquatic Science & Fisheries Abstracts (ASFA), CAB Abstracts, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, Computer & Applied Sciences, Environment Index, INSPEC, Metadex, Pollution Abstracts, Public Affairs Index, Veterinary Science Database, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Aircraft energy, Engine thrust model, Turbofan: propulsion
  • Erzincan Binali Yıldırım Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Efficient fuel use is crucial for optimizing aircraft performance, especially in medium-range commercial operations. This study introduces a dynamic thrust-drag modeling technique for a narrow-body jet aircraft powered by a CFM56-7B turbofan engine. It aims to explore the relationship between thrust and fuel consumption using real-world flight data. A physics-based model estimates thrust and drag forces by incorporating parameters such as flap angle, pitch angle, altitude, ground speed, and landing gear position. These parameters are extracted from the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) across multiple Boeing 737 flights. The analysis reveals a strong correlation between fuel flow and thrust, with drag values for flap angles of 15°, 30°, and 40° consistently ranging between 5000 and 10,000 lbf. This study is significant as it enables precise thrust calculations across various flight phases using FDR data. Notably, the thrust force calculated independently of fuel consumption correlates strongly with fuel flow. The findings from this analysis will enhance aero engine functionality and contribute to reducing aircraft energy consumption and emissions.