CFM56-5B Engine - Study Notes
1. Engine Overview
• The CFM56-5B is a high-bypass turbofan engine built by CFM International (GE + Safran).
• It powers the Airbus A320 family (A318, A319, A320, A321).
• Thrust range: 22,000 – 33,000 lbf (98–147 kN).
• Bypass ratio: ~5.5 – 6:1, Pressure ratio: ~35:1.
• Configuration: 2-shaft engine with 4-stage LPC, 9-stage HPC, single-stage HPT, and
2-stage LPT.
• Features FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control) for precise management.
2. Subvariants (Thrust Classes)
Different versions match thrust to each Airbus model:
• 5B1/5B1P, 5B2/5B2P, 5B3/5B3P – for A321 (~30,000–33,000 lbf).
• 5B4/5B4P, 5B8, 5B9 – for A320 (~27,000 lbf).
• 5B5/5B5P, 5B6/5B6P – for A319 (~23,500–27,000 lbf).
• 5B7 – for A318 (~21,600 lbf).
• ‘/P’ versions offer better performance and fuel efficiency.
3. System Breakdown
• Fan: Large single-stage fan provides ~75–80% of thrust.
• Low-Pressure Compressor (LPC): 4 stages, boosts pressure before HPC.
• High-Pressure Compressor (HPC): 9 stages, provides compressed air for combustion and
systems.
• Combustor: Annular or Double Annular (DAC) for reduced emissions.
• High-Pressure Turbine (HPT): Single stage, drives HPC, highly stressed.
• Low-Pressure Turbine (LPT): 2 stages, drives fan and LPC.
• Accessory Gearbox (AGB): Drives fuel pump, oil pumps, hydraulics, generators, starter.
• Lubrication: Provides oil cooling and lubrication, includes chip detectors.
• Fuel System: Controlled by FADEC, includes Fuel Metering Unit (FMU).
• Control System: FADEC manages thrust, fuel flow, VSVs, bleed valves.
• Bleed & Secondary Systems: Supply air for pressurization, anti-ice, and engine start.
4. Maintenance & Reliability
• On-condition maintenance philosophy (no fixed overhaul time).
• Borescope inspections for FOD, cracks, hot section wear.
• Performance restoration shop visits typically after 20,000–25,000 cycles.
• Hot section (combustor + HPT) is the life-limiting area.
• ETOPS certified – suitable for long twin operations.
• Very high reliability: 99.95% departure reliability, very low IFSD rate.
5. Compressor Stall & Surge
Stall
• Compressor Stall: Local airflow breakdown over some blades due to high angle of attack.
• Effects: Rumbling, popping, vibrations, reduced efficiency.
• Severity: Localized and often self-correcting.
Surge
• Compressor Surge: System-wide instability with total airflow breakdown or reversal.
• Effects: Loud bang, flames possible, major thrust loss, potential flameout.
• Severity: Dangerous, can damage engine if prolonged.
Key Difference
Difference: Stall is local and mild, Surge is global and severe.
Prevention
• Variable stator vanes adjust airflow angle.
• Bleed valves relieve excess pressure.
• FADEC manages fuel/airflow precisely.
• Smooth throttle handling by pilots.
Final Interview-Style Answer
A compressor stall is a local airflow separation on the blades, causing rumbling and efficiency loss,
while a surge is a total breakdown of compressor airflow with loud bangs and thrust loss. Modern
engines use variable vanes, bleed valves, and FADEC to prevent both.
