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Characterization and Simulation of Thermoacoustic Instability in a Low Emissions Combustor PrototypeExtensive research is being done toward the development of ultra-low-emissions combustors for aircraft gas turbine engines. However, these combustors have an increased susceptibility to thermoacoustic instabilities. This type of instability was recently observed in an advanced, low emissions combustor prototype installed in a NASA Glenn Research Center test stand. The instability produces pressure oscillations that grow with increasing fuel/air ratio, preventing full power operation. The instability behavior makes the combustor a potentially useful test bed for research into active control methods for combustion instability suppression. The instability behavior was characterized by operating the combustor at various pressures, temperatures, and fuel and air flows representative of operation within an aircraft gas turbine engine. Trends in instability behavior vs. operating condition have been identified and documented. A simulation developed at NASA Glenn captures the observed instability behavior. The physics-based simulation includes the relevant physical features of the combustor and test rig, employs a Sectored 1-D approach, includes simplified reaction equations, and provides time-accurate results. A computationally efficient method is used for area transitions, which decreases run times and allows the simulation to be used for parametric studies, including control method investigations. Simulation results show that the simulation exhibits a self-starting, self-sustained combustion instability and also replicates the experimentally observed instability trends vs. operating condition. Future plans are to use the simulation to investigate active control strategies to suppress combustion instabilities and then to experimentally demonstrate active instability suppression with the low emissions combustor prototype, enabling full power, stable operation.
Document ID
20080047459
Acquisition Source
Glenn Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
DeLaat, John C. (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Paxson, Daniel E. (NASA Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH, United States)
Date Acquired
August 24, 2013
Publication Date
October 7, 2008
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
E-16724
Meeting Information
Meeting: Fundamental Aeronautics Program Annual Meeting
Location: Atlanta, GA
Country: United States
Start Date: October 7, 2008
End Date: October 9, 2008
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 984754.02.07.03.19.04
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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