Combustor – compressor/turbine interactions
The aerodynamic interfaces between the combustion system and the adjacent compressor and turbine must be carefully managed in order to ensure optimal performance.
The Loughborough UTC conducts experimental and computational research aimed at improving both these interfaces. This has led to the development of new, novel and integrated designs with particular focus on the changing combustor architectures required to meet future low-emission and low fuel-burn targets.
For example, work on the development of an integrated compressor outlet guide vane (OGV) and pre-diffuser concept received a Best Paper award from the ASME Combustion and Fuels Committee in 2006. After initial development at the University this concept was advanced to a higher TRL by Rolls-Royce and adopted in their design for the Trent XWB engine which powers the Airbus A350 XWB. This is one of the enabling technologies that make the Trent XWB today's most efficient large aero engine.