Mathematical modelling of turbulent combustion for gas turbines

The paper reviews progress in the development of methods for calculating th e properties of gas turbine combustion chambers, with particular attention being devoted to combustion and turbulence-combustion interactions. For con ventional combustion chambers with non-premixed combustion it is argued tha t a conserved scalar approach, where burning is presumed to be 'fast', is c apable of providing an accurate representation of heat-releasing processes. The approach can also be extended to include NO2 formation, at least under conditions where it is formed under high-temperature conditions. However, if carbon monoxide and unburnt hydrocarbon emissions or partially premixed combustion is to be considered, then a more complete description of combust ion is needed and the probability density function (PDF) transport equation method here represents a promising approach. It is demonstrated that the m ethod, when combined with a simple chemical reaction mechanism, is capable without modification of reproducing the major properties of non-premixed, p artially premixed and premixed turbulent flames.