One-Dimensional, Finite-Rate Model for Gas-Turbine Combustors

Abstract

ONE-DIMENSIONAL, FINITE-RATE MODEL FOR GAS-TURBINE COMBUSTORS <p> by <p> Carlos G. Rodriguez<br> Committee Chairman: Walter F. O'Brien<br> <p>

Department of Mechanical Engineering<br> Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University <p> Abstract <p> An unsteady, finite-rate, one-dimensional model has been developed for the analysis for gas-turbine combustors. The basis of the model is the one-dimensional, integral form of the conservation equations for multi-species, non-equilibrium, reacting mixtures. Special procedures were devised for the flow-division of the inlet flow into primary- and annular-flows, for both straight- and reverse-flow combustors. This allows the model to handle complete combustor configurations, which at present are beyond the reach of more sophisticated CFD tools. The model was validated with a steady-state analytical solution for a basic problem, and with steady-state results from a production code applied to a production combustor. Additional calculations show the ability of the code to predict blow-out due to rich and lean mixtures, and to predict the response of a combustor to perturbations in operating and boundary conditions.