Abstract

The objective of this study was to understand the theory behind turbofan electronic engine controllers (EECs) and to develop a Simulink based controller with stall margin limits, which was then used to build a simple 1-D cruise controller for a Boeing 747. The turbofan model used was the JT9D Pratt & Whitney engine in T-MATS with an attached ”ambient” block to input altitude, Mach, and 𝐹𝐴𝑅. Holding altitude at 35000 ft, the 𝐹𝐴𝑅 controller stall lower and higher limit maps were obtained from the 6% LPC and 15% HPC stall margins at steady state for 0.83-0.85 Mach and 2000-4000 𝑁1 RPM. P and I gain schedules were obtained for the same conditions using a first-order model fit through step 𝐹𝐴𝑅 inputs, as other methods failed to linearize the system. The resulting controller was compared to the example controller given in T-MATS, showing an extended range of operating conditions and stall safety. The system was then fitted to a point-mass 1-D model for a cruise controller, and tested for wind gusts of 73 ft/s . The system showed stability and a settling time of around a minute.

Document Type

Final Report

Author's School

McKelvey School of Engineering

Author's Department

Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science

Class Name

Mechanical Engineering and Material Sciences Independent Study

Language

English (en)

Date of Submission

12-12-2025

PI Schedule Calculations.xlsx (17 kB)
Data gathered and PI scheduling tables

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