JET ENGINE PROPULSION

Chapter 7
Start Ignition System

The basic sequence of the start cycle
Starter motor drives
the external gearbox.
External gearbox drives
the engine shaft, turning
the compressor and turbines.
STARTING AND IGNITION
Starter External
Motor Gearbox
Airflow is produced in engine. Engine now drives the external gearbox
which then drives all the accessories.
At a design RPM fuel is released
to the burners.
The igniters are powered and
produce a spark to ignite the fuel.
Once the engine attains self sustaining
RPM the igniters are switched off.
 STARTING AND IGNITION

Rolls-Royce AVON - (Graphic Representation)

Sprag Clutch
Drive to Starter Air
Mechanism
Engine Shaft Motor Out

Air
In

Starter External
Motor Gearbox
Turbine Air Reduction Output
Out Gear Shaft
 IGNITION

There are two types of igniter plugs

Air Gap Surface Discharge

The air gap type has a larger gap
between the body of the igniter
and the electrode.
This means that a voltage difference
of approximately 25.000 Volts is
required to ionize the gap before a
spark will occur.
The surface discharge type works
the same as the air gap, but as the
gap is smaller, the electrode only
requires a voltage difference of
approximately 2000 Volts in order
to operate.

As was seen in previous lessons there are usually only two igniters as all the
flame tubes are interconnected.
The only time you know that an igniter has failed is when the second one fails.
 STARTING AND IGNITION
Igniter Box (Not to Scale)

Control
Surface Input
High
Discharge Air Gap Tension Low
Connector Output Tension
Thread Input

Igniter Boxes

Spanner
Flats

Igniter
Plugs
Igniter Cooling Air
Mounting Inlet Holes
Thread

Insulator

Centre
Electrode
Semi
Conductor
Pellet Cooling Air HT Leads
Outlet Holes
Igniter Tip Engine Cross Section
STARTING AND IGNITION

Any Questions?