A test device for premixed gas turbine combustion oscillations

We report the design and operation of a rest device suitable for studying combustion oscillations produced by commercial-scale gas turbine fuel nozzles. Unlike conventional test stands, this test combustor uses a Helmholtz acoustic geometry to replicate the acoustic response that would otherwise be observed only during complete engine testing. We suggest that successful simulation of engine oscillations requires that the flame geometry and resonant frequency of the test device should match the complete engine environment. Instrumentation for measuring both pressure and heat release variation is described. Preliminary tests suggest the importance of characterizing the oscillating behavior in terms of a nozzle reference velocity and inlet air temperature. Initial tests also demonstrate that the stabilizing effect of a pilot flame depends on the operating conditions.