Advances in plasma-assisted ignition and combustion for combustors of aerospace engines

Abstract

The improvement of the ignition and combustion performance of aerospace engines under extreme conditions such as high altitude, low temperature, low pressure, and high speed is a research topic of broad and current interest. Plasma technology has attracted increasing attention due to its significant potential in improving ignition and combustion performance. Scientists and engineers have conducted numerous investigations and experiments on the use of plasma technology in aerospace engines, especially in aviation gas turbine engines, driving the research and applications of plasma-assisted ignition (PAI) and plasma-assisted combustion (PAC). The aim of this comprehensive review paper is to summarize and discuss the developments and applications of PAI and PAC in the fields of aerospace engines during the last ten years, including ignition, lean blow-out, combustion efficiency, emission, outlet temperature distribution quality, combustion stability, and fuel distribution. This review paper mainly focuses on experimental research progress. We also introduce new applications of PAI and PAC in novel aerospace engines and discuss the prospects for its practical implementation.