Mixing Enhancers for Compact Combustors

Compact combustors are being considered as a means to improve gas turbine performance for military and commercial applications.  An application of particular interest for the compact combustor is to provide heat addition between the two turbine stages.  Achievement of small combustor size requires advances in the fuel distribution and mixing process to minimize the overall length of the combustion zone and thereby minimize engine size and weight.  In the proposed project, we will develop designs for a fuel delivery and enhanced mixing device and evaluate the performance through analysis and subcomponent testing.  During Phase I, we will develop and analyze the advanced mixer design concepts and compare performance predictions of the new design to a baseline configuration.  A candidate design will be chosen for further consideration during Phase II where we will refine the performance predictions and mixer system design, fabricate a test article, and conduct performance tests of the prototype system under prototypical engine operating conditions. BENEFIT: Compact combustors can significantly improve the operational versatility and efficiency of gas turbines for military systems such as manned aircraft, UAVs, and missiles.  They can provide improved fuel efficiency as well as reduction in engine weight, size, and complexity.  Effective mixing of fuel and air and short combustion lengths are key needs for developing efficient and light weight compact combustors for implementation in advanced gas turbine engines as a reheat stage or as the main combustor.