Study of alternative jet fuel ignition behavior in gas turbine combustion environments

Trotter, Caleb Joseph

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/120405 Copy

Description

Title

Study of alternative jet fuel ignition behavior in gas turbine combustion environments

Author(s)

Trotter, Caleb Joseph

Issue Date

2023-05-01

Director of Research (if dissertation) or Advisor (if thesis)

Lee, Tonghun

Department of Study

Mechanical Sci & Engineering

Discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Degree Granting Institution

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Degree Name

M.S.

Degree Level

Thesis

Keyword(s)

• Gas turbine combustion
• alternative aviation fuels

Abstract

The development and study of alternative aviation fuels is influential in the creation of a more sustainable future. Characterization of the behavior of these alternative fuels is a rigorous process and requires precise experimentation in specific operational regimes. These experiments utilize the ARC-M1, a small-scale gas turbine combustor developed in conjunction with engine OEMs to replicate key geometric features of helicopter-size gas turbine combustors while offering optical access to allow for the application of diagnostic techniques. Ignition tests at a relevant altitude condition are performed with four different fuels including a standard military-grade jet fuel and four C-grade alternatively derived jet fuels. Measurements of ignition probability are presented and a first order qualitative analysis of chemiluminescence imaging to understand the overall heat release rate of the flame and phase-contrast imaging to investigate droplet behavior is included. Results demonstrate the effects of fuel properties on the ignition process and suggest that further investigation and quantitative image analysis could potentially lead to a deeper understanding of the physics involved in the ignition behavior of alternative fuel sources.

Graduation Semester

2023-05

Type of Resource

Thesis

Handle URL

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/120405

Copyright and License Information

Copyright 2023 Caleb Trotter

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