NASA clean catalytic combustor program

Abstract

The successful operation of an aircraft gas turbine combustion system incorporating a state-of-the-art catalytic reactor as the main stage, along with a conventional pilot stage for low power operation, is reported to have been achieved with high combustion efficiency at moderate engine pressure ratios. The extremely low nitrogen oxides emission level taken by the program as its goal has also been achieved. It is noted that significant improvements in the operating temperature capability of catalytic reactor materials will be required for the successful application of such devices to the very high pressure ratio, high temperature engines assumed to be the ultimate application of the devices studied.