Effect of temperature

Effect of temperature

Fig. 21-7 The effect of altitude on s.h.p. and

fuel consumption

33. On a cold day the density of the air increases so that the mass of air entering the compressor for a given engine speed is greater, hence the thrust or s.h.p, is higher. The denser air does, however, increase the power required to drive the compressor or compressors; thus the engine will require more fuel to maintain the same engine speed or will run at a reduced engine speed if no increase in fuel is available.
34. On a hot day the density of the air decreases, thus reducing the mass of air entering the compressor and, consequently, the thrust of the engine for a given r.p.m. Because less power will be required to drive the compressor, the fuel control system reduces the fuel flow to maintain a constant engine rotational speed or turbine entry temperature, as appropriate; however, because of the decrease in air density, the thrust will be lower. At a temperature of 45 deg.C., depending on the type of engine, athrust loss of up to 20 per cent may be experienced. This means that some sort of thrust augmentation, such as water injection (Part 17), may be required.