Isothermal aerodynamics

NCCAT has extensive experience of the study of isothermal aerodynamic processes relevant to gas turbines aiming to increase efficiency and reduce emission for aeroengine combustion systems. We achieve this through the study of complex physics in suitably scaled experimental facilities with state-of-the-art instrumentation. Our expertise includes complex test rig design, combustion system aerodynamics, the aerodynamics of compressor transition ducts, two-phase flows, and aeroacoustics. All which develop knowledge which feeds into NCCAT’s combustion test facilities.

Aerodynamic open area 

NCCAT provides dedicated flow benches and proprietary software for precise aerodynamic open area measurements, essential for cold-flow and high-temperature combustion testing.

Test rig design 

With decades of experience, NCCAT excels in designing and commissioning advanced rigs that replicate real-world aerodynamic conditions for accurate airflow measurement. This includes the application of high accuracy instrumentation such as miniature pneumatic five-hole probes to provide information on the mean velocity and pressure field, hot-wire anemometry to give time-resolved data, and scalar tracing to assess mixing.

Combustion system aerodynamics 

Accurate airflow characterization within combustion systems components is vital to understand and improve operability, combustion efficiency, emissions compliance, and turbine traverse and life. NCCAT delivers the ability to study engine-representative flow fields and recover detailed aerodynamic data using full-scale annular rigs and advanced diagnostic tools. 

Compressor Transition Ducts 

We have a long history of studying the flow in compressor (and turbine) transition ducts using both experimental and numerical methods. These play a key role in guiding airflow between compressor stages or into turbines, directly impacting overall engine efficiency and length. The challenge lies in the highly complex, three-dimensional, turbulent flow within these ducts, often involving strong curvature, area changes, and secondary flows.

Two-phase flows

We have an extensive track record in applying both experimental and computational methods to the aerodynamic design of fuel spray nozzles for gas turbine combustion systems. These nozzles are critical components, responsible for atomizing liquid fuel and ensuring effective mixing of air with both liquid and gaseous fuels. The NCCAT laboratories support this work with advanced facilities for visualizing and analyzing air–fuel interactions, including Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), elastic scattering techniques such as Mie scattering, Phase Doppler Anemometry (PDA), and shadowgraphy.