Aero propulsion monitoring and analysis methods have progressed in sophistication over the past 6 decades as the gas turbine has evolved in form and complexity. Initial practices monitored the mechanical integrity of the engine, and the evolution of engine monitoring and diagnostics has benefited from advances in sensing, electronic monitoring devices, increased fidelity in engine modeling and analytical methods. The primary motivation in this development is, not surprisingly, cost. The ever increasing cost of fuel, engine prices, spare parts, maintenance and overhaul, all contribute to the cost of an engine over its entire life cycle. Diagnostics can be viewed as a means to mitigate risk in decisions that impact operational integrity. This can have a profound impact on safety, such as In-Flight Shut Downs (IFSD), and economic impact caused by Unscheduled Engine Removals (UERs), part life, maintenance, overhaul, and the overall logistics of maintaining an aircraft fleet. We will review some of the methods used in the preceding decades to address these issues and their evolution to current practices.
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