TERA- A Tool for Aero-engine Modelling and Management

One of the distinguishing features of the civil aero-engine market is its highcompetitiveness. The costs and risks associated with new projects are such that thedifference between two apparently equally attractive options could result in success fromone and a threat to the survival of the company from the other. To conceive and assessengines with minimum global warming impact and lowest cost of ownership in a varietyof emission legislation scenarios, emissions taxation policies, fiscal and Air TrafficManagement environments, a Techno-economic and Environmental Risk Assessment(TERA) model is needed. TERA incorporates multi-disciplinary modules for modellinggas turbine and aircraft performance, estimation of engine weight, noise and emissions aswell as environment impact and operating economics. The TERA software is integratedwith a commercial optimiser and provides a means for cycle studies. It is to be expectedthat new legislative and fiscal constraints on air travel will demand an extension to thecustomary range of asset management parameters. In such a business environment thereis potential for TERA to develop into a useful tool for aircraft and engine assetmanagement. This paper presents a description of this tool as well as gives some resultsfrom scenario studies.