Articles tagged with Gas Turbine Engines
Researchers have found that hydrogen-induced embrittlement can be twice as severe in Nickel-base superalloys at elevated temperatures, posing a challenge for gas turbine safety and reliability. The study suggests that designing temperature-specific alloys with tailored microstructures could help mitigate this issue.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has upgraded its High Energy Annex Test (HEAT) facility to simulate extreme conditions for hypersonic and supersonic technologies. The updated facility enables researchers to test scramjets, ramjets, small gas turbines, and rocket thrusters in a controlled environment.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a way to achieve simultaneous high strength and plasticity in cobalt aluminum (CoAl) intermetallics. This is achieved through the introduction of dislocations and amorphous interfaces, which enable the materials to withstand extreme forces without fracturing.
The Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has completed a three-year renovation of its High Energy Annex Test (HEAT) facility to expand gas turbine combustor testing. The upgrades reduce testing costs by 80% through the use of additive manufacturing, allowing for flexible switching between fuel types.
The $10 million facility will evaluate machinery powered by hydrogen, hydrocarbons and other flammable gases for efficiency, safety and reliability. SwRI aims to improve natural gas technology, reducing carbon emissions and increasing power supply sustainability.
A Colorado State University team has achieved a new milestone in 3D X-ray imaging technology by capturing high-resolution CT scans of the interior of a large, dense object using a compact, laser-driven X-ray source. This breakthrough offers a fast and non-destructive way to obtain detailed views inside dense structures.
A new study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand found that wind farms can offset their carbon emissions within two years. The research used data from a Harapaki onshore wind farm in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, and found that the turbine can generate all the energy consumed across its life-cycle within six months.
The researchers investigated the ignition of methane-air mixtures using a detailed reaction kinetics model. They identified five domains with different sets of chemical reactions leading to methane ignition. This knowledge can help increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact in heating and power generation.
A new MIT-developed heat treatment transforms 3D-printed metal microstructure, enabling energy-efficient 3D printing of blades for gas turbines and jet engines. Researchers discovered a way to improve the structure by adding an additional heat-treating step.
The researchers used a new technique to capture the first cross-sectional images of carbon dioxide in the exhaust plume of a commercial jet engine. The images show a ring-structure of high carbon dioxide concentration and a raised region in the middle of the plume.
Researchers at Texas A&M University developed an AI framework to predict oxidation behavior of high entropy alloys, reducing experimental analysis time from years to minutes. This allows for the discovery of materials suitable for extreme environments, such as gas turbines and heat exchangers.
Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel method to measure oxygen concentration in high-temperature environments without physical contact. The method uses a phosphorescent material that varies its phosphorescence depending on the surrounding oxygen concentration.
Researchers at NIMS and Osaka University successfully fabricate nickel single crystals with minimal crystalline defects, paving the way for widespread use in heat-resistant jet engine components. The technique eliminates grain boundaries, resulting in stronger high-temperature materials.
Scientists at Ural Federal University have developed a simpler and more effective method for synthesizing titanium-based nanocomposite coatings. The new approach allows for the production of wear-resistant coatings with controlled properties, suitable for various applications such as aircraft and biomedicine.
Researchers have successfully stored liquid fuels like ethanol in polymeric gels, drastically reducing evaporation rates and flammable gas mixtures. The development of this method aims to create safer work environments in industries that use liquid fuels.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a computationally quick approach to predict molten droplet solidification on a solid surface. The model simulates the solidification process by considering the droplet behavior and heat transfer between the hotter droplet and cooler surface, replicating experiments with high accuracy.
Researchers found significant periodic flow velocity fluctuations in fuel injector ignite combustion oscillations, leading to high mechanical stress on the combustion chamber. The findings provide a reasonable answer for why these oscillations occur and have significant implications for preventing fatal damage in critical engines.
Researchers from Nagoya University have developed a new class of super-hard composite materials by adding zirconium atoms to aluminum oxide and tungsten carbide. The resulting materials exhibit exceptionally high bending strengths greater than 2 gigapascals, making them stronger than previous CMCs.
Researchers propose a hybrid-electric plane design that eliminates 95 percent of aviation's nitrogen oxide emissions, reducing premature deaths by 92 percent. The system combines a conventional gas turbine with an electric generator to power electrically driven propellers or fans.
Researchers explored oxidation mechanisms in Yb-Si coatings at high temperatures under different atmospheres. The study found that the Yb to Si ratio affects oxidation behavior and that ytterbium content can suppress SiO2 growth, leading to more heat-resistant coatings.
The US Department of Energy has funded three Penn State projects to enhance combustion turbine performance and efficiency in fossil fuel power generation. Researchers will utilize additive manufacturing techniques to improve cooling effectiveness, fuel injection hardware, and ceramic matrix composite turbine vanes.
Japanese scientists have identified a titanium carbide-reinforced alloy that can withstand extreme temperatures and pressures, outperforming existing Nickel-based superalloys. The alloy's high-temperature strength was demonstrated under constant forces in the range of 1400°C-1600°C.
Researchers at KAUST have discovered that gas flames are more unstable at high pressures, which can lead to increased noise and pollution emissions. The study found that pressure fluctuations can cause thermoacoustic instability in gas turbines, potentially leading to damage or explosion.
Researchers used the world's most powerful X-ray source to study fuel injection and combustion in a gas turbine engine. The data gathered will help advance gas turbine engine designs for higher power density and efficiency.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing advanced strategies to reduce the adverse effects of extremely high-temperatures on gas turbines. They are exploring applications for an anti-oxidation coating that can help cool airfoils and other hot-section components, enabling higher temperature operation for better efficie...
Researchers at UT Arlington have developed a new power generator that produces electricity up to 25% more efficiently than existing technology. The Afthon process harnesses pressure gain combustion, capturing most of the lost energy and burning fuel over 30 times faster than traditional engines.
A new thermocouple developed by researchers at the University of Cambridge can reduce drift by up to 90% at temperatures above 1300 degrees Celsius, potentially doubling the lifespan of engine components. This could lead to significant cost savings for manufacturers and improved fuel efficiency.
Researchers have developed a real-time CT-scan test rig for ceramic composites at ultrahigh temperatures, enabling the analysis of mechanical properties and microcrack damage. The test rig provides crucial information to predict ceramic composite structural integrity and safe lifetime.
Dr. Walter O'Brien, director of Virginia Tech's CTRP, has developed a novel ignitor for combustion and supersonic flows, which may be useful in Mach 5 or hypersonic speed vehicles. Aerojet has donated $50,000 to support students in designing a scramjet combustion simulator that will be tested at Mach 2.4.
Researchers have modeled flameless combustion in a gas turbine engine, finding reduced NOx emissions with almost uniform heat release. This process could lead to more efficient power generation and lower polluting emissions.
Researchers have successfully tested an experimental gas turbine simulator equipped with ultralow-emissions combustion technology called LSI using pure hydrogen as a fuel. This technology has the potential to eliminate millions of tons of carbon dioxide and thousands of tons of NOx from power plants each year.
Researchers at MIT have created an engine on a chip that could run 10 times longer than traditional batteries, powering devices like laptops and cell phones. The device is made of silicon wafers and features a tiny combustion chamber, turbine blades, and mini-generator.
A new system, developed by University of Florida engineers, can produce all three essentials - water, electricity, and refrigeration - from a single source. The system, which harnesses the power of gas turbines, achieves this through a heat-operated refrigeration process, making it efficient and compact.
The Stagnation Point Reverse Flow Combustor reduces NOx and CO emissions by burning fuel in low-temperature reactions, eliminating high-temperature pockets. The design can be adapted for various applications, including aircraft engines and power-generating gas turbines.
Researchers at Ames Laboratory have developed a new thermal barrier coating technology that enhances engine operation in high-temperature environments. The new coating, which uses nickel-aluminum-platinum alloy samples, offers significant improvements in oxidation resistance and reduces the risk of failure in gas turbines.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have produced atomic-resolution images of silicon nitride ceramics, revealing the exact location of rare-earth atoms and their effect on toughness. This discovery could lead to tailoring grain boundaries for optimum mechanical properties.
Radatec's innovative sensors measure motion using microwave technology, operating at extremely high temperatures and unaffected by contaminants. The company's sensors provide real-time information about critical mechanical components, enabling operators to predict when repairs are needed and reducing maintenance costs.
Dr. Pfefferle, known as the 'father of catalytic combustion,' has developed a process to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions from gas turbines. His inventions include the Microlith(r) catalytic reactor and RCL™ catalytic combustor, enhancing combustion efficiency and air quality.
The Marshall Center's Fastrac engine team has developed a 60,000-pound-thrust engine with reduced costs through innovative design and commercial off-the-shelf parts. The team achieved this feat in under three years, significantly faster than usual for rocket engines.
Researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are developing TEDANN to predict failures and abnormal operations in M1 Abrams main battle tanks' turbine engines. The technology uses diagnostic engineering, artificial neural networks, and model-based decision algorithms to enhance tank readiness while reducing costly engine failures.