EPSRC logo

Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/L80317/01
Title: A MATHEMATICAL INVESTIGATION OF RESONANT PHENOMENA IN GAS TURBINES
Principal Investigator: Peake, Professor N
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Rolls-Royce Plc (UK)
Department: Applied Maths and Theoretical Physics
Organisation: University of Cambridge
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 17 June 1998 Ends: 16 December 2001 Value (£): 112,057
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Continuum Mechanics
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Transport Systems and Vehicles
Related Grants:
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
The continuing development of larger aeroengines has lead to the need to predict the onset of certain undesirable fluid-dynamical instabilities which occur within these powerplants. In this proposal we aim to use techniques in modern mathematical analysis and wave theory to model two such phenomena, whose occurrence can lead to significant degradation in performance and potentially necessitate costly engine redesign. First, it has been suggested by the results of engine tests that coupling between the intake flow and the fan is linked to flutter and/or rotating stall in the fan. Little is known about the underlying physics of this problem, but the key features, which are to be modelled in this project, include the effects of the slowly-varying duct cross-section, the presence of swirl in the flow and the asymmetries in the steady aerodynamics and in the intake geometry. Second, vortex shedding or blade vibration within the core compressor can lock into the natural, acoustic modes of the compressor to produce a potentially damaging resonance. The strong interactions between the multiple blade rows and the axial flow variation are known to be very important in this process, but we believe that considerable progress will be possible in this project by developing models in which the full system is represented by linear and nonlinear equations describing an equivalent continuum. The aim of our research in both areas is to use mathematical models to illuminate the basic physics and to predict the onset of the instabilities across a whole range of operating conditions, and thereby provide important information which can be used at an early stage in the design process.
Key Findings
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Potential use in non-academic contexts
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Impacts
Description This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Summary
Date Materialised
Sectors submitted by the Researcher
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
Project URL:  
Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.cam.ac.uk