Journal of Technology in Aerospace Engineering

Journal of Technology in Aerospace Engineering

Analytical Modeling of Airflow Partitioning in a Gas Turbine Combustion Chamber

Document Type : Research Article

Authors
Propulsion Department, Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Gas turbines are among the largest energy generation systems. To reduce pollutant emissions in gas turbines, the combustion process must be carried out efficiently. One of the most effective ways to achieve this is by ensuring an optimal partitioning of air in the combustion chamber, which promotes complete combustion and minimizes emissions. Accelerating the analysis of airflow partitioning enables designers to reach the desired solution more quickly and perform a greater number of iterative design evaluations.In the present study, a one‑dimensional MATLAB‑based code was developed for rapid flow analysis. In addition to computing the air partitioning within the combustion chamber, the code calculates thermodynamic parameters—such as pressure and temperature—inside the liner, as well as the pressure drop across the holes and within the combustion chamber, using three different approaches.In the first approach, assuming a constant pressure drop across the holes, the discharge coefficient is estimated based on literature values, and the corresponding mass flow rate is calculated. In the second approach, while maintaining the assumption of a constant pressure drop across the holes and constant density, the discharge coefficients are determined through empirical correlations, from which the hole mass flow rate is obtained. In the third approach, in addition to the assumptions of the second approach, the flow is considered compressible, and the pressure drop within the liner is also calculated.The results of this study indicate that, compared with the other approaches, the third approach offers not only a satisfactory computational speed but also a higher level of accuracy.
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  • Receive Date 19 August 2025
  • Accept Date 13 October 2025
  • First Publish Date 26 October 2025