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Electrical spray modification with various fuels in a T56 combuster

by Avigdor Zajdman

The possibility of electrically altering the droplet size distribution and injection cone angle of gas turbine fuel injectors has been investigated. The work was carried out both in a combustor rig incorporating a T-56 combustor liner/nozzle and in a non-burning spray optical absorption apparatus into each of which a high voltage electrode could be introduced. Several electrode designs were investigated in an effort to minimize flameholding and subsequent electrical shot circuiting. Fuels investigated included JP-4, the design fuel, JET-A, JP-5, and Diesel Fuel Number 2. Results of the optical experiments indicated reductions in the Sauter Mean Diameter of 7.7 percent. Results of the combustion experiments indicated increases in combustor efficiency of up to 3.6 percent for Diesel Fuel Number 2 and increases up to 0.6 percent for JP-4. (Author)