Rotating combustion chambers as a key feature of effective timing of turbine engine working according to Humphrey cycle – CFD analysis

Abstract

The paper presents a concept of a new turbine engine with the use of rotating isochoric combustion chambers. In contrast to previously analyzed authors’ engine concepts, here rotating combustion chambers were used as a valve timing system. As a result, several practical challenges could be overcome. An effective ceramic sealing system could be applied to the rotating combustion chambers. It can assure full tightness regardless of thermal conditions and related deformations. The segment sealing elements working with ceramic counter-surface can work as self-alignment because of the centrifugal force acting on them. The isochoric combustion process, gas expansion, and moment generation were analyzed using the CFD tool (computational fluid dynamics). The investigated engine concept is characterized by big energy efficiency and simple construction. Finally, further improvements in engine performance are discussed.