Thermo-Acoustic Oscillations In Gas Tubine Engines

Thermo-acoustic oscillations often arise in combustion equipment such as gas turbine engines and power generation devices. In-phase heat release and pressure oscillations result in positive net energy transfer to these devices which causes resonance that can potentially lead to thermal and mechanical fatigue that, in extreme cases, can destroy the devices. By studying the dynamics of pressure oscillations, scientists can develop technology to mitigate the damage caused by those oscillations.

Dr. Sina Kheirkhah is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of British Columbia – Okanagan. At the university’s Combustion for Propulsion and Power Laboratory, he conducts thermo-acoustic investigations that contribute to the knowledge of combustion instabilities and the improvement of new combustion devices.