Experimental and analytical separation of hydrodynamic, entropy and combustion noise in a gas turbine combustor

Abstract

This paper deals with noise sources which are central to the problem of core engine noise in turbopropulsion systems. The sources dealt with are entropy noise and direct combustion noise, as well as a non-propagating psuedosound which is hydrodynamic noise. It is shown analytically and experimentally that a transition can occur from a combustion noise dominant situation to an entropy noise dominant case if the contraction of a terminating nozzle to the combustor is high enough. In the combustor tested, entropy noise is the dominant source for propagational noise if the combustor is choked at the exit. Analysis techniques include spectral, cross spectral, cross correlation, and ordinary and partial coherence analysis. Measurements include exterior and interior fluctuating and mean pressures and temperatures.