Exploratory Design of a Depleted Oxygen Gas Turbine Combustor

A combustor research and development program is proposed which provides the proof of concept and basic design data necessary to build a prototype combustor for the Regenerative Feedback Turbine Engine (RFTE). The RFTE has been shown to require an innovative burner concept to operate with large quantities of diluent. The high diluent concentration reduces the oxygen concentration and reduces the availability of secondary combustion air, thus requiring a departure from concentional burner design. The proposed program features design and experimental testing of candidate burners based on concepts which have been demonstrated in other, novel applications. A recommended prototype aerothemal design strategy is the expected output of this Phase I project. Testing will be performed in an existing facility at the University of Florida. Guidance and hardware support will be provided by TEXTRON-Lycoming through a subcontract, as part of their overall commitment to investigating the military and commercial possibilities of the RFTE.