Abstract
The use of gas turbine performance models for educational purposes is discussed and a particular instance of such a model is presented. The model facilitates the presentation of the basic rules which govern gas turbine engine behaviour and helps in the understanding of different aspects of its operation. It can graphically present engine operating point data in a number of different ways: operating line, pressure and temperature distributions along the gas path, operating points of the components, variation of particular quantities with operating conditions etc. Apart from operating as an engine simulator, the model can also be used to demonstrate the principles of component matching and the behaviour of numerical algorithms for building an engine model. Finally, it facilitates familiarization with the principles of gas turbine fault diagnosis, by the incorporation of some diagnostic possibilities, again providing information in a graphical manner.