Annular combustion chamber for dissimilar fluids in swirling flow relationship

Claim 2

A combustion chamber including a duct adapted to define a passage through which at least two fluids flow in swirling sideby-side relationship to establish an interface therebetween with one of said fluids having a density Rho 1 and a tangential velocity Vt1 and another of said fluids having a density Rho 2 and a tangential velocity Vt2, means to vary the product parameter Rho Vt2 of one of said fluids to accelerate intermixing therebetween, and including trigger means shaped to initiate interdigitated substantially radially inwardly and substantially radially outwardly sheet flow between the two fluids to physically disturb the interface between the two fluids.

Claim 3

a plurality of apertures extending through the walls of the ring means to permit some of the fuel-air mixture from the annular passage to pass therethrough into the protected interior chamber of said flame-holder mechanism, D. ignitor means operatively associated with said flame-holder mechanism to ignite the portion of the fuel-air mixture entering the interior protected chamber of said flameholder mechanism through said apertures to form a combusting fluid to serve as a pilot flame to continuously ignite said swirling fuel-air mixture to burn in said primary combustion zone, and E. and having a dilution zone downstream of said primary combustion zone and including means to dilute and cool the products of combustion from said primary combustion zone in said dilution zone.

Claim 4

a plurality of apertures extending through the walls of the ring means to permit some of the fuel-air mixture from the annular passage to pass therethrough into the protected interior chamber of said flame-holder mechanism, D. ignitor means operatively associated with said flame-holder mechanism to ignite the portion of the fuel-air mixture entering the interior protected chamber of said flameholder mechanism through said apertures to form a combusting fluid to serve as a pilot flame to continuously ignite said swirling fuel-air mixture to burn in said primary combustion zone, and E. and having a dilution zone downstream of said primary combustion zone and including means to dilute and cool the products of combustion from said primary combustion zone in said dilution zone.

Claim 5

a splitter duct of circular cross-section positioned between said inner and outer ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said inner and outer ducts,

Claim 6

a splitter duct of circular cross-section positioned between said inner and outer ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said inner and outer ducts,

Claim 7

a plurality of apertures extending through the walls of the ring means to permit some of the fuel-air mixture from the annular passage to pass therethrough into the protected interior chamber of said flame-holder mechanism, D. ignitor means operatively associated with said flameholder mechanism to ignite the portion of the fuel-air mixture entering the interior protected chamber of said flameholder mechanism through said apertures to form a combusting fluid to serve as a pilot flame to continuously ignite said swirling fuel-air mixture to burn in said primary combustion zone.

Claim 8

a plurality of apertures extending through the walls of the ring means to permit some of the fuel-air mixture from the annular passage to pass therethrough into the protected interior chamber of said flame-holder mechanism, D. ignitor means operatively associated with said flameholder mechanism to ignite the portion of the fuel-air mixture entering the interior protected chamber of said flameholder mechanism through said apertures to form a combusting fluid to serve as a pilot flame to continuously ignite said swirling fuel-air mixture to burn in said primary combustion zone.

Claim 9

wherein said products of combustion and said fourth fluid mix in said dilution zone to form a fifth fluid of density Rho 5 and tangential velocity Vt5 and wherein said outer wall member of said dilution zone mixer includes a plurality of axially and radially spaced duct members which axially overlap, and including a cascade of turning vanes positioned in at least one of said overlapping duct areas, and including means to pass cooling fluid of density Rho 6 through said vane cascade, and with the vanes of the cascade oriented so as to impart a tangential velocity Vt6 to the coolant flowing therethrough so as to produce a product parameter Rho 6 Vt62> Rho 5 Vt52, and

Claim 10

wherein said products of combustion and said fourth fluid mix in said dilution zone to form a fifth fluid of density Rho 5 and tangential velocity Vt5 and wherein said outer wall member of said dilution zone mixer includes a plurality of axially and radially spaced duct members which axially overlap, and including a cascade of turning vanes positioned in at least one of said overlapping duct areas, and including means to pass cooling fluid of density Rho 6 through said vane cascade, and with the vanes of the cascade oriented so as to impart a tangential velocity Vt6 to the coolant flowing therethrough so as to produce a product parameter Rho 6 Vt62> Rho 5 Vt52, and

Claim 11

Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said duct is of circular cross-section and including means to cause said fluids to flow in coannular side-by-side relationship.

Claim 12

a first duct member of circular cross-section positioned in said first annular passage coaxially with said wall members and cooperating with said inner wall member to define a second annular passage therebetween and converging toward said inner wall member in a downstream direction,

Claim 13

a first duct member of circular cross-section positioned in said first annular passage coaxially with said wall members and cooperating with said inner wall member to define a second annular passage therebetween and converging toward said inner wall member in a downstream direction,

Claim 14

wherein said products of combustion and said fourth fluid mix in said dilution zone to form a fifth fluid of density Rho 5 and tangential velocity Vt5 and wherein said outer wall member of said dilution zone mixer includes a plurality of axially and radially spaced duct members which axially overlap, and including a cascade of turning vanes positioned in at least one of said overlapping duct areas, and including means to pass cooling fluid of density Rho 6 through said vane cascade, and with the vanes of the cascade oriented so as to impart a tangential velocity Vt6 to the coolant flowing therethrough so as to produce a product parameter Rho 6 Vt62> Rho 5 Vt52.

Claim 15

wherein said products of combustion and said fourth fluid mix in said dilution zone to form a fifth fluid of density Rho 5 and tangential velocity Vt5 and wherein said outer wall member of said dilution zone mixer includes a plurality of axially and radially spaced duct members which axially overlap, and including a cascade of turning vanes positioned in at least one of said overlapping duct areas, and including means to pass cooling fluid of density Rho 6 through said vane cascade, and with the vanes of the cascade oriented so as to impart a tangential velocity Vt6 to the coolant flowing therethrough so as to produce a product parameter Rho 6 Vt62> Rho 5 Vt52.

Claim 16

wherein in said combustion zone mixer said second fluid is a fuel-air mixture, and including means to inject and combust fuel in said second annular passage to establish a pilot fuel combustion zone therein so that said first fluid is the combusting fuel-air mixture from said pilot fuel combustion zone, and so that said first fluid mixes with said second fluid to burn in said primary combustion zone to produce said products of combustion and, further, wherein in said dilution zone mixer, said second annular passage is the passage through which said products of combustion flow to said dilution zone, and wherein said fourth fluid is a diluent which flows through said third annular passage into said diluent zone for mixing with and cooling of said products of combustion therein.

Claim 17

wherein in said combustion zone mixer said second fluid is a fuel-air mixture, and including means to inject and combust fuel in said second annular passage to establish a pilot fuel combustion zone therein so that said first fluid is the combusting fuel-air mixture from said pilot fuel combustion zone, and so that said first fluid mixes with said second fluid to burn in said primary combustion zone to produce said products of combustion and, further, wherein in said dilution zone mixer, said second annular passage is the passage through which said products of combustion flow to said dilution zone, and wherein said fourth fluid is a diluent which flows through said third annular passage into said diluent zone for mixing with and cooling of said products of combustion therein.

Claim 18

a first duct member of circular cross-section positioned in said fourth annular passage coaxially with said wall members and cooperating with said inner wall member to define a fifth annular passage therebetween,

Claim 19

a first duct member of circular cross-section positioned in said fourth annular passage coaxially with said wall members and cooperating with said inner wall member to define a fifth annular passage therebetween,

Claim 20

a first duct member of circular cross-section positioned in said fourth annular passage coaxially with said wall members and cooperating with said inner wall member to define a fifth annular passage therebetween,

Claim 21

a first duct member of circular cross-section positioned in said fourth annular passage coaxially with said wall members and cooperating with said inner wall member to define a fifth annular passage therebetween,

Claim 22

a second duct member of circular cross-section positioned coaxially with said wall members and positioned between said first duct member and said outer wall member and cooperating with said outer wall member to define a sixth annular passage therebetween and to define a seventh annular passage with said first duct member, and enveloping the dilution zone,

Claim 23

a second duct member of circular cross-section positioned coaxially with said wall members and positioned between said first duct member and said outer wall member and cooperating with said outer wall member to define a sixth annular passage therebetween and to define a seventh annular passage with said first duct member, and enveloping the dilution zone,

Claim 24

a second duct member of circular cross-section positioned coaxially with said wall members and positioned between said first duct member and said outer wall member and cooperating with said outer wall member to define a sixth annular passage therebetween and to define a seventh annular passage with said first duct member, and enveloping the diluent zone,

Claim 25

a second duct member of circular cross-section positioned coaxially with said wall members and positioned between said first duct member and said outer wall member and cooperating with said outer wall member to define a sixth annular passage therebetween and to define a seventh annular passage with said first duct member, and enveloping the diluent zone,

Claim 26

wherein said inner wall member of said dilution zone mixer includes a plurality of axially and radially spaced duct members which overlap axially and further including at least one vaned cascade in at least one of said overlapping stations, and further including means to pass a coolant of density Rho 7 through said one overlapping station and with the vanes of said cascade oriented so as to establish a tangential velocity Vt7 in the coolant passing therethrough so as to establish the product parameter relationship Rho 7 Vt72< Rho 5 Vt52.

Claim 27

wherein said inner wall member of said dilution zone mixer includes a plurality of axially and radially spaced duct members which overlap axially and further including at least one vaned cascade in at least one of said overlapping stations, and further including means to pass a coolant of density Rho 7 through said one overlapping station and with the vanes of said cascade oriented so as to establish a tangential velocity Vt7 in the coolant passing therethrough so as to establish the product parameter relationship Rho 7 Vt72< Rho 5 Vt52.

Claim 28

Apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein said means constitutes apparatus for varying the density, Rho , of one of said fluids.

Claim 29

means to pass a first swirling fluid through said second annular passage with said first fluid having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1,

Claim 30

means to pass a first swirling fluid through said second annular passage with said first fluid having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1,

Claim 31

a second duct member of circular cross-section positioned coaxially with said wall members and positioned between said first duct member and said outer wall member and cooperating with said outer wall member to define a third annular passage therebetween and converging toward said outer wall member in a downstream direction and cooperating with first duct member to define a divergent annular passage therebetween enveloping a primary combustion zone,

Claim 32

a second duct member of circular cross-section positioned coaxially with said wall members and positioned between said first duct member and said outer wall member and cooperating with said outer wall member to define a third annular passage therebetween and converging toward said outer wall member in a downstream direction and cooperating with first duct member to define a divergent annular passage therebetween enveloping a primary combustion zone,

Claim 33

Apparatus according to claim 1 and wherein said means constitutes means to vary the tangential velocity, Vt, of one of said fluids.

Claim 34

at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said second duct member to place said third annular passage into communication with said divergent annular passage,

Claim 35

at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said second duct member to place said third annular passage into communication with said divergent annular passage,

Claim 36

at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said second duct member to place said sixth annular passage into communication with said seventh annular passage,

Claim 37

at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said second duct member to place said sixth annular passage into communication with said seventh annular passage,

Claim 38

means to pass a second fluid, dissimilar to said first fluid, through said third annular passage and with said second fluid having a selected density Rho 2 and a selected tangential velocity Rho Vt2 so that the product parameter Rho 2 Vt2 > Rho 1 Vt12 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct for mixing and combusting therein to form a third fluid which is the product of combustion. B. said dilution zone including a barberpole mixer having:

Claim 39

means to pass a second fluid, dissimilar to said first fluid, through said third annular passage and with said second fluid having a selected density Rho 2 and a selected tangential velocity Rho Vt2 so that the product parameter Rho 2 Vt2 > Rho 1 Vt12 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct for mixing and combusting therein to form a third fluid which is the product of combustion. B. said dilution zone including a barberpole mixer having:

Claim 40

at least one row helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said second duct member to place said sixth annular passage into communication with said seventh annular passage,

Claim 41

at least one row helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said second duct member to place said sixth annular passage into communication with said seventh annular passage,

Claim 42

at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said first duct member to place said fifth annular passage into communication with said seventh annular passage,

Claim 43

at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said first duct member to place said fifth annular passage into communication with said seventh annular passage,

Claim 44

at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said first duct member to place said second annular passage into communication with said diverging annular passage,

Claim 45

at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said first duct member to place said second annular passage into communication with said diverging annular passage,

Claim 46

at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said first duct member to place said fifth annular passage into communication with said seventh annular passage,

Claim 47

at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said first duct member to place said fifth annular passage into communication with said seventh annular passage,

Claim 48

Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said combustion chamber is an annular combustion chamber and wherein said flow path of said two fluids is coannular.

Claim 49

Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the flow paths of said two fluids is about a common center of curvature.

Claim 50

means to pass said fourth fluid of density Rho 4 through said seventh annular passage at a tangential velocity Vt4,

Claim 51

means to pass said fourth fluid of density Rho 4 through said seventh annular passage at a tangential velocity Vt4,

Claim 52

means to pass said third fluid of density Rho 3 through said seventh annular passage at a tangential velocity Vt3,

Claim 53

means to pass said third fluid of density Rho 3 through said seventh annular passage at a tangential velocity Vt3,

Claim 54

means to pass a first swirling fluid of density Rho 1 through said diverging annular passage at a tangential velocity Vt1,

Claim 55

means to pass a first swirling fluid of density Rho 1 through said diverging annular passage at a tangential velocity Vt1,

Claim 56

means to pass fourth fluid through said fifth annular passage and through said slots in said first duct member to enter said seventh annular passage at density Rho 4 and tangential velocity Vt4 so that the product parameter Rho 3 Vt32 of the third fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 4 Vt42 of the fourth fluid to accelerate intermixing between said third and fourth fluids and,

Claim 57

means to pass fourth fluid through said fifth annular passage and through said slots in said first duct member to enter said seventh annular passage at density Rho 4 and tangential velocity Vt4 so that the product parameter Rho 3 Vt32 of the third fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 4 Vt42 of the fourth fluid to accelerate intermixing between said third and fourth fluids and,

Claim 58

means to pass second fluid through said second annular passage and through said slots in said first duct member to enter said divergent annular passage at density Rho 2 and tangential velocity Vt2 so that the product parameter Rho 1 Vt12 of the first fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 2 Vt22 of the second fluid to accelerate intermixing between said first and second fluids, and

Claim 59

means to pass second fluid through said second annular passage and through said slots in said first duct member to enter said divergent annular passage at density Rho 2 and tangential velocity Vt2 so that the product parameter Rho 1 Vt12 of the first fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 2 Vt22 of the second fluid to accelerate intermixing between said first and second fluids, and

Claim 60

means to pass fluid through said fifth annular passage and through said slots in said first duct member to enter said seventh annular passage at density Rho 5 and tangential velocity Vt5 so that the product parameter Rho 4 Vt42 of the fourth fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 5 Vt52 of the fifth fluid to accelerate intermixing between said fourth and fifth fluids and,

Claim 61

means to pass fluid through said fifth annular passage and through said slots in said first duct member to enter said seventh annular passage at density Rho 5 and tangential velocity Vt5 so that the product parameter Rho 4 Vt42 of the fourth fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 5 Vt52 of the fifth fluid to accelerate intermixing between said fourth and fifth fluids and,

Claim 62

An annular combustion chamber including: A. inner and outer ducts of substantial circular cross section positioned coasially to define a first annular passage therebetween, B. a splitter duct of circular cross section positioned between said first and second ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said first and second ducts, C. means to pass a first swirling fluid through said second annular passage with said first fluid having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1, D. means to pass a second fluid, dissimilar to said first fluid, through said third annular passage and with said second fluid having a selected density Rho 2 and a selected tangential velocity Vt2 to that the product parameter Rho 2Vt22 > Rho 1 Vt12 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct, E. including trigger means located at the downstream end of said splitter duct to disturb the unstable interface between the two fluids and accelerate mixing therebetween, and F. wherein said trigger means is a ring member connected to the downstream edge of said splitter duct and shaped To define helical corrugations of maximum amplitude at its downstream end.

Claim 63

An annular combustion chamber including: A. inner and outer ducts of substantial circular cross section positioned coasially to define a first annular passage therebetween, B. a splitter duct of circular cross section positioned between said first and second ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said first and second ducts, C. means to pass a first swirling fluid through said second annular passage with said first fluid having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1, D. means to pass a second fluid, dissimilar to said first fluid, through said third annular passage and with said second fluid having a selected density Rho 2 and a selected tangential velocity Vt2 to that the product parameter Rho 2Vt22 > Rho 1 Vt12 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct, E. including trigger means located at the downstream end of said splitter duct to disturb the unstable interface between the two fluids and accelerate mixing therebetween, and F. wherein said trigger means is a ring member connected to the downstream edge of said splitter duct and shaped To define helical corrugations of maximum amplitude at its downstream end.

Claim 64

An annular combustion chamber including: A. inner and outer ducts of substantial circular cross section positioned coaxially to define a first annular passage therebetween, B. a splitter duct of circular cross section positioned between said first and second ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said first and second ducts, C. means to pass a first swirling fluid through said second annular passage with said first fluid having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1, D. means to pass a second fluid, dissimilar to said first fluid, through said third annular passage and with said second fluid having a selected density Rho 2 and a selected tangential velocity Vt2 so that the product parameter Rho 2 Vt22 > Rho 1 Vt12 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct, E. including trigger means located at the downstream end of said splitter duct to disturb the unstable interface between the two fluids and accelerate mixing therebetween, F. wherein said trigger means is a ring member connected to the downstream edge of said splitter duct and shaped to define helical corrugations of maximum amplitude at its downstream end, and G. wherein said helical corrugations vary in both amplitude and width.

Claim 65

An annular combustion chamber including: A. inner and outer ducts of substantial circular cross section positioned coaxially to define a first annular passage therebetween, B. a splitter duct of circular cross section positioned between said first and second ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said first and second ducts, C. means to pass a first swirling fluid through said second annular passage with said first fluid having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1, D. means to pass a second fluid, dissimilar to said first fluid, through said third annular passage and with said second fluid having a selected density Rho 2 and a selected tangential velocity Vt2 so that the product parameter Rho 2 Vt22 > Rho 1 Vt12 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct, E. including trigger means located at the downstream end of said splitter duct to disturb the unstable interface between the two fluids and accelerate mixing therebetween, F. wherein said trigger means is a ring member connected to the downstream edge of said splitter duct and shaped to define helical corrugations of maximum amplitude at its downstream end, and G. wherein said helical corrugations vary in both amplitude and width.

Claim 66

means to pass a third fluid through said third annular passage and through said helical slots in said second duct member to enter said diverging annular passage at density Rho 3 and tangential velocity Vt3 and so that the product parameter Rho 3 Vt3 2 of the third fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 1 Vt1 2 of the first fluid to accelerate mixing between said first and third fluids and so that said first, second and third fluids mix and combust to form a fourth fluid of density Rho 4 and tangential velocity Vt4 in said divergent annular passage. B. a dilution zone mixer having:

Claim 67

means to pass a third fluid through said third annular passage and through said helical slots in said second duct member to enter said diverging annular passage at density Rho 3 and tangential velocity Vt3 and so that the product parameter Rho 3 Vt3 2 of the third fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 1 Vt1 2 of the first fluid to accelerate mixing between said first and third fluids and so that said first, second and third fluids mix and combust to form a fourth fluid of density Rho 4 and tangential velocity Vt4 in said divergent annular passage. B. a dilution zone mixer having:

Claim 68

means to pass a fifth fluid through said sixth annular passage and through said helical slots in said second duct member to enter said seventh annular passage at density Rho 5 and tangential velocity Vt5 and so that the product parameter Rho 5 Vt52 of the third fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 4 Vt42 of the fourth fluid to accelerate mixing between said third and fifth fluids.

Claim 69

means to pass a fifth fluid through said sixth annular passage and through said helical slots in said second duct member to enter said seventh annular passage at density Rho 5 and tangential velocity Vt5 and so that the product parameter Rho 5 Vt52 of the third fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 4 Vt42 of the fourth fluid to accelerate mixing between said third and fifth fluids.

Claim 70

means to pass a sixth fluid through said sixth annular passage and through said helical slots in said second duct member to enter said seventh annular passage at density Rho 6 and tangential velocity Vt6 and so that the product parameter Rho 6 Vt6 2 of the sixth fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 4 Vt42 of the fourth fluid to accelerate mixing between said fourth and sixth fluids.

Claim 71

means to pass a sixth fluid through said sixth annular passage and through said helical slots in said second duct member to enter said seventh annular passage at density Rho 6 and tangential velocity Vt6 and so that the product parameter Rho 6 Vt6 2 of the sixth fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 4 Vt42 of the fourth fluid to accelerate mixing between said fourth and sixth fluids.

Claim 72

An annular combustion chamber including: A. inner and outer ducts of substantial circular cross section positioned coaxially to define a first annular passage therebetween, B. a splitter duct of circular cross section positioned between said first and second ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said first and second ducts, C. means to pass a first swirling fluid through said second annular passage with said first fluid having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1, D. means to pass a second fluid, dissimilar to said first fluid, through said third annular passage and with said second fluid having a selected density Rho 2 and a selected tangential velocity Vt2 so that the product parameter Rho 2 Vt22 > Rho 1 Vt12 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct, and E. including means to inject fuel into said third annular passage so that the second fluid is a fuel-air mixture entering said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct, and means to inject fuel and support combustion thereof in said second annular passage so that said first fluid are the hot products of combustion zone to mix with and ignite the fuel-air mixture from the third passage in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct.

Claim 73

An annular combustion chamber including: A. inner and outer ducts of substantial circular cross section positioned coaxially to define a first annular passage therebetween, B. a splitter duct of circular cross section positioned between said first and second ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said first and second ducts, C. means to pass a first swirling fluid through said second annular passage with said first fluid having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1, D. means to pass a second fluid, dissimilar to said first fluid, through said third annular passage and with said second fluid having a selected density Rho 2 and a selected tangential velocity Vt2 so that the product parameter Rho 2 Vt22 > Rho 1 Vt12 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct, and E. including means to inject fuel into said third annular passage so that the second fluid is a fuel-air mixture entering said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct, and means to inject fuel and support combustion thereof in said second annular passage so that said first fluid are the hot products of combustion zone to mix with and ignite the fuel-air mixture from the third passage in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct.

Claim 74

An annular combustion chamber having a combustion zone and a dilution zone axially spaced therein and wherein the combustion zone includes a concentric mixer and the dilution zone includes a concentric mixer and wherein said combustion zone concentric mixer comprises: A. inner and outer ducts of substantial circular cross section positioned coaxially to define a first annular passage therebetween, enveloping the primary combustion zone, B. a splitter duct of circular cross section positioned between said first and second ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said first and secOnd ducts, C. means to pass a first swirling fluid through said second annular passage with said first fluid having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1, D. means to pass a second fluid, dissimilar to said first fluid, through said third annular passage and with said second fluid having a selected density Rho 2 and a selected tangential velocity Vt2, so that the product parameter Rho 2 Vt22> Rho 1 Vt12 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in siad first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct for mixing therein to form a combustible third fluid whose products of combustion are of density Rho 3 and tangential velocity Vt32,

Claim 75

An annular combustion chamber having a combustion zone and a dilution zone axially spaced therein and wherein the combustion zone includes a concentric mixer and the dilution zone includes a concentric mixer and wherein said combustion zone concentric mixer comprises: A. inner and outer ducts of substantial circular cross section positioned coaxially to define a first annular passage therebetween, enveloping the primary combustion zone, B. a splitter duct of circular cross section positioned between said first and second ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said first and secOnd ducts, C. means to pass a first swirling fluid through said second annular passage with said first fluid having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1, D. means to pass a second fluid, dissimilar to said first fluid, through said third annular passage and with said second fluid having a selected density Rho 2 and a selected tangential velocity Vt2, so that the product parameter Rho 2 Vt22> Rho 1 Vt12 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in siad first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct for mixing therein to form a combustible third fluid whose products of combustion are of density Rho 3 and tangential velocity Vt32,

Claim 76

An annular combustion chamber having a combustion zone and a dilution zone axially spaced therein and wherein the combustion zone includes a concentric mixer and the dilution zone includes a concentric mixer and wherein said combustion zone concentric mixer comprises: A. inner and outer ducts of substantial circular cross section positioned coaxially to define a first annular passage therebetween, enveloping the primary combustion zone, B. a splitter duct of circular cross section positioned between said first and second ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said first and second ducts, C. means to pass a first swirling fluid through said second annular passage with said first fluid having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1, D. means to pass a second fluid, dissimilar to said first fluid, through said third annular passage and with said second fluid having a selected density Rho 2 and a seleCted tangential velocity Vt2, so that the product parameter Rho 2 Vt22> Rho 1 Vt12 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct for mixing therein to form a combustible third fluid whose products of combustion are of density Rho 3 and tangential velocity Vt32,

Claim 77

An annular combustion chamber having a combustion zone and a dilution zone axially spaced therein and wherein the combustion zone includes a concentric mixer and the dilution zone includes a concentric mixer and wherein said combustion zone concentric mixer comprises: A. inner and outer ducts of substantial circular cross section positioned coaxially to define a first annular passage therebetween, enveloping the primary combustion zone, B. a splitter duct of circular cross section positioned between said first and second ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said first and second ducts, C. means to pass a first swirling fluid through said second annular passage with said first fluid having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1, D. means to pass a second fluid, dissimilar to said first fluid, through said third annular passage and with said second fluid having a selected density Rho 2 and a seleCted tangential velocity Vt2, so that the product parameter Rho 2 Vt22> Rho 1 Vt12 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct for mixing therein to form a combustible third fluid whose products of combustion are of density Rho 3 and tangential velocity Vt32,

Claim 78

An annular combustion chamber having a combustion zone and a dilution zone axially spaced therein and wherein the combustion zone includes a concentric mixer and the dilution zone includes a concentric mixer and wherein said combustion zone concentric mixer comprises: A. inner and outer ducts of substantial circular cross section positioned coaxially to define a first annular passage therebetween, enveloping the primary combustion zone, B. a splitter duct of circular cross section positioned between said first and second ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said first and second ducts, C. means to pass a first swirling fluid through said second annular passage with said first fluid having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1, D. means to pass a second fluid, dissimilar to said first fluid, through said third annular passage and with said second fluid having a selected density Rho 2 and a selected tangential velocity Vt2, so that the product parameter Rho 2 Vt22> Rho 1 Vt12 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct for mixing therein to form a combustible third fluid whose products of combustion are of density Rho 3 and tangential velocity Vt32,

Claim 79

An annular combustion chamber having a combustion zone and a dilution zone axially spaced therein and wherein the combustion zone includes a concentric mixer and the dilution zone includes a concentric mixer and wherein said combustion zone concentric mixer comprises: A. inner and outer ducts of substantial circular cross section positioned coaxially to define a first annular passage therebetween, enveloping the primary combustion zone, B. a splitter duct of circular cross section positioned between said first and second ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said first and second ducts, C. means to pass a first swirling fluid through said second annular passage with said first fluid having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1, D. means to pass a second fluid, dissimilar to said first fluid, through said third annular passage and with said second fluid having a selected density Rho 2 and a selected tangential velocity Vt2, so that the product parameter Rho 2 Vt22> Rho 1 Vt12 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct for mixing therein to form a combustible third fluid whose products of combustion are of density Rho 3 and tangential velocity Vt32,

Claim 80

An annular combustion chamber concentric about an axis and having a combustion zone located axially forward or upstream of a dilution zone and including: A. inner and outer duct members of circular cross section and positioned coaxially about said axis and shaped to define a diverging annular passage therebetween increasing in cross-sectional area in a downstream direction and communicating with the primary combustion zone at its downstream end, B. means to pass a swirling fuel-air mixture of density Rho 1 through said diverging annular passage at tangential velocity Vt1, C. a combination flameholder and mixing trigger mechanism located in said annular passage between the inlet thereof and the primary combustion zone and attached to the outer duct member and comprising a convoluted ring with convolutions increasing in a downstream direction and extending around the periphery of said annular passage and with said convolutions being in substantially helical shape to substantially assume the direction of flow of the fuel-air mixture passing through the annular passage and including a plurality of apertures on the walls thereof to permit some of the fuel-air mixture from the annular passage to pass therethrough into the interior of said flameholder mechanism, D. ignitor means operatively associated with said flame-holder and triggEr mechanism to ignite the portion of the fuel-air mixture entering the interior of said flameholder mechanism through said apertures to form a combusting fluid of density Rho 2 and having a tangential velocity Vt2 imparted thereto by the convolutions of the flameholder to establish the product parameter relationship Rho 2 Vt22 is less than Rho 1 Vt12 so as to establish an unstable and convoluted interface between the fuel-air mixture of the annular passage and the products of combustion so as to accelerate mixing and combustion therebetween in said primary combustion zone, and E. and having a dilution zone downstream of said primary combustion zone and including means to dilute and cool the products of combustion from said primary combustion zone in said dilution zone.

Claim 81

An annular combustion chamber concentric about an axis and having a combustion zone located axially forward or upstream of a dilution zone and including: A. inner and outer duct members of circular cross section and positioned coaxially about said axis and shaped to define a diverging annular passage therebetween increasing in cross-sectional area in a downstream direction and communicating with the primary combustion zone at its downstream end, B. means to pass a swirling fuel-air mixture of density Rho 1 through said diverging annular passage at tangential velocity Vt1, C. a combination flameholder and mixing trigger mechanism located in said annular passage between the inlet thereof and the primary combustion zone and attached to the outer duct member and comprising a convoluted ring with convolutions increasing in a downstream direction and extending around the periphery of said annular passage and with said convolutions being in substantially helical shape to substantially assume the direction of flow of the fuel-air mixture passing through the annular passage and including a plurality of apertures on the walls thereof to permit some of the fuel-air mixture from the annular passage to pass therethrough into the interior of said flameholder mechanism, D. ignitor means operatively associated with said flame-holder and triggEr mechanism to ignite the portion of the fuel-air mixture entering the interior of said flameholder mechanism through said apertures to form a combusting fluid of density Rho 2 and having a tangential velocity Vt2 imparted thereto by the convolutions of the flameholder to establish the product parameter relationship Rho 2 Vt22 is less than Rho 1 Vt12 so as to establish an unstable and convoluted interface between the fuel-air mixture of the annular passage and the products of combustion so as to accelerate mixing and combustion therebetween in said primary combustion zone, and E. and having a dilution zone downstream of said primary combustion zone and including means to dilute and cool the products of combustion from said primary combustion zone in said dilution zone.

Claim 82

A combustion mechanism including: A. a substantially cylindrical duct, B. means to cause two fluids to pass through said duct in swirling motion to establish an interface therebetween and, to establish a density Rho 1 and tangential velocity Vt1 in one of said fluids and a density Rho 2 and a tangential velocity Vt2 in the other of the fluids and, C. means to vary the product parameter Rho Vt2 of one of said fluids to affect mixing therebetween, and D. trigger means located in and shaped to vary the shape of the interface to accelerate mixing between the two fluids by initiating interdigitated substantially radially inwardly and substantially radially outwardly sheet flow between the two fluids.

Claim 83

A combustion mechanism including: A. a substantially cylindrical duct, B. means to cause two fluids to pass through said duct in swirling motion to establish an interface therebetween and, to establish a density Rho 1 and tangential velocity Vt1 in one of said fluids and a density Rho 2 and a tangential velocity Vt2 in the other of the fluids and, C. means to vary the product parameter Rho Vt2 of one of said fluids to affect mixing therebetween, and D. trigger means located in and shaped to vary the shape of the interface to accelerate mixing between the two fluids by initiating interdigitated substantially radially inwardly and substantially radially outwardly sheet flow between the two fluids.

Claim 84

Combustion mechanism including: A. a first substantially cylindrical duct, B. a second substantially cylindrical duct positioned within the first duct and defining an annular passage therebetween and a second passage therewithin, and terminating short of said first duct, C. means to pass a first swirling fluid through said annular passage, D. means to pass second swirling fluid through the second passage, E. means to establish a selected product parameter Rho 1 Vt12 in the first swirling fluid, where Rho 1 is density and Vt12 is tangential velocity, F. means to establish a selected product Rho 2 Vt22 in the second swirling fluid which is greater than product parameter Rho 1 Vt12 to promote mixing between the two fluids downstream of the second cylindrical duct, and G. means to alter the shape of interface between the two fluids downstream of the cylindrical duct by establishing interdigitated radial inward and radial outward flow between the two fluids to accelerate mixing therebetween.

Claim 85

Combustion mechanism including: A. a first substantially cylindrical duct, B. a second substantially cylindrical duct positioned within the first duct and defining an annular passage therebetween and a second passage therewithin, and terminating short of said first duct, C. means to pass a first swirling fluid through said annular passage, D. means to pass second swirling fluid through the second passage, E. means to establish a selected product parameter Rho 1 Vt12 in the first swirling fluid, where Rho 1 is density and Vt12 is tangential velocity, F. means to establish a selected product Rho 2 Vt22 in the second swirling fluid which is greater than product parameter Rho 1 Vt12 to promote mixing between the two fluids downstream of the second cylindrical duct, and G. means to alter the shape of interface between the two fluids downstream of the cylindrical duct by establishing interdigitated radial inward and radial outward flow between the two fluids to accelerate mixing therebetween.

Claim 86

A combustion mechanism including: A. a substantially cylindrical duct, B. separating means establishing two flow paths in said duct and terminating within said duct, C. means to pass a fluid through the first of said flow paths in swirling motion and to establish a density Rho 1 and a tangential velocity Vt1 in the fluid, D. means to pass a second fluid through another flow path and to establish a density Rho 2 and a tangential velocity Vt2 in the other of said fluids so that said fluids are separated passing through said duct in the region of said separating means and so that said fluids are not separated when passing through said duct downstream of said separating means so that an interface is established therebetween and so that the difference in the product Rho Vt2 of the two fluids accelerates mixing therebetween at the interface, and E. trigger means operatively associated with said separating means and shaped to disturb the interface and accelerate mixing by establishing substantially radially inwardly and substantially radially outwardly interdigitated flow patterns between said fluids.

Claim 87

A combustion mechanism including: A. a substantially cylindrical duct, B. separating means establishing two flow paths in said duct and terminating within said duct, C. means to pass a fluid through the first of said flow paths in swirling motion and to establish a density Rho 1 and a tangential velocity Vt1 in the fluid, D. means to pass a second fluid through another flow path and to establish a density Rho 2 and a tangential velocity Vt2 in the other of said fluids so that said fluids are separated passing through said duct in the region of said separating means and so that said fluids are not separated when passing through said duct downstream of said separating means so that an interface is established therebetween and so that the difference in the product Rho Vt2 of the two fluids accelerates mixing therebetween at the interface, and E. trigger means operatively associated with said separating means and shaped to disturb the interface and accelerate mixing by establishing substantially radially inwardly and substantially radially outwardly interdigitated flow patterns between said fluids.

Claim 88

An annular combustion chamber including: A. inner and outer ducts Of substantial circular cross section positioned coaxially to define a first annular passage therebetween, B. a splitter duct of circular cross section positioned between said first and second ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said first and second ducts, C. means to pass a first swirling fluid through said second annular passage with said first fluid having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1, D. means to pass a second fluid, dissimilar to said first fluid, through said third annular passage and with said second fluid having a selected density Rho 2 and a selected tangential velocity Vt2 so that the product parameter Rho 2 Vt22> Rho 1 Vt12 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct, and E. trigger means located at the downstream end of said splitter duct and shaped to disturb the interface and accelerate mixing by extablishing substantially radially inwardly and substantially radially outwardly interdigitated flow patterns between said fluids.

Claim 89

An annular combustion chamber including: A. inner and outer ducts Of substantial circular cross section positioned coaxially to define a first annular passage therebetween, B. a splitter duct of circular cross section positioned between said first and second ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said first and second ducts, C. means to pass a first swirling fluid through said second annular passage with said first fluid having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1, D. means to pass a second fluid, dissimilar to said first fluid, through said third annular passage and with said second fluid having a selected density Rho 2 and a selected tangential velocity Vt2 so that the product parameter Rho 2 Vt22> Rho 1 Vt12 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct, and E. trigger means located at the downstream end of said splitter duct and shaped to disturb the interface and accelerate mixing by extablishing substantially radially inwardly and substantially radially outwardly interdigitated flow patterns between said fluids.

Claim 90

A combustion chamber fluid mixer including a combustion chamber duct of substantially circular cross section, means to pass a first fluid of density Rho 1 through said duct in a swirling flow path having a tangential velocity Vt1, means to pass a second fluid of density Rho 2 through said duct in a swirling flow path having a tangential velocity Vt2 and in side-by-side relationship with the flow path of the first fluid to establish an interface therebetween so that the product parameter Rho 1 Vt12 is different from the product parameter Rho 2 Vt22 to accelerate mixing between the two fluids, and trigger means shaped to disturb the interface and accelerate mixing by establishing substantially radially inwardly and substantially radially outwardly interdigitated flow patterns between said fluids.

Claim 91

A combustion chamber fluid mixer including a combustion chamber duct of substantially circular cross section, means to pass a first fluid of density Rho 1 through said duct in a swirling flow path having a tangential velocity Vt1, means to pass a second fluid of density Rho 2 through said duct in a swirling flow path having a tangential velocity Vt2 and in side-by-side relationship with the flow path of the first fluid to establish an interface therebetween so that the product parameter Rho 1 Vt12 is different from the product parameter Rho 2 Vt22 to accelerate mixing between the two fluids, and trigger means shaped to disturb the interface and accelerate mixing by establishing substantially radially inwardly and substantially radially outwardly interdigitated flow patterns between said fluids.

Claim 92

A combustion chamber including: A. combustion chamber enclosure means of circular cross section, B. means to pass a first fluid of density Rho 1 through said enclosure means and to establish a tangential velocity Vt1 in said first fluid, C. means to pass a second fluid of density Rho 2 through said enclosure means and to establish a tangential velocity Vt2 in said second fluid so that two fluids are flowing in swirling fashion in side-by-side relationship to establish an interface therebetween, and wherein the product parameter Rho 1 Vt12 is different than the product parameter Rho 2 Vt22 so as to accelerate intermixing between the two fluids, and trigger means shaped to disturb the interface and accelerate mixing by establishing substantially radially inwardly and substantially radially outwardly interdigitated flow patterns between said fluids.

Claim 93

A combustion chamber including: A. combustion chamber enclosure means of circular cross section, B. means to pass a first fluid of density Rho 1 through said enclosure means and to establish a tangential velocity Vt1 in said first fluid, C. means to pass a second fluid of density Rho 2 through said enclosure means and to establish a tangential velocity Vt2 in said second fluid so that two fluids are flowing in swirling fashion in side-by-side relationship to establish an interface therebetween, and wherein the product parameter Rho 1 Vt12 is different than the product parameter Rho 2 Vt22 so as to accelerate intermixing between the two fluids, and trigger means shaped to disturb the interface and accelerate mixing by establishing substantially radially inwardly and substantially radially outwardly interdigitated flow patterns between said fluids.

Claim 94

An annular combustion chamber having a combustion zone and a dilution zone axially spaced therein and wherein the combustion zone includes a concentric mixer and the dilution zone includes a concentric mixer and wherein said combustion zone concentric mixer comprises: A. inner and outer ducts of substantial circular cross-section positioned coaxially to define a first annular passage therebetween, enveloping the primary combustion zone, B. a splitter duct of circular cross-section positioned between said first and second ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said first and second ducts, C. means to pass a first swirling fluid through said second annular passage with said first flUid having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1, D. means to pass a second fluid, dissimilar to said first fluid, through said third annular passage and with said second fluid having a selected density Rho 2 and a selected tangential velocity Rho Vt2, so that the product parameter Rho 2 Vt2 > Rho 1 Tt12 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct for mixing therein to form a combustible third fluid whose products of combustion are of density Rho 3 and tangential velocity Vt32.

Claim 95

An annular combustion chamber having a combustion zone and a dilution zone axially spaced therein and wherein the combustion zone includes a concentric mixer and the dilution zone includes a concentric mixer and wherein said combustion zone concentric mixer comprises: A. inner and outer ducts of substantial circular cross-section positioned coaxially to define a first annular passage therebetween, enveloping the primary combustion zone, B. a splitter duct of circular cross-section positioned between said first and second ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said first and second ducts, C. means to pass a first swirling fluid through said second annular passage with said first flUid having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1, D. means to pass a second fluid, dissimilar to said first fluid, through said third annular passage and with said second fluid having a selected density Rho 2 and a selected tangential velocity Rho Vt2, so that the product parameter Rho 2 Vt2 > Rho 1 Tt12 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct for mixing therein to form a combustible third fluid whose products of combustion are of density Rho 3 and tangential velocity Vt32.

Claim 96

Apparatus according to claim 20 and including trigger means operatively associated with the downstream end of said combustion zone mixer splitter duct and said dilution zone mixer splitter duct to physically distort the interface of the fluids joining downstream of these splitter ducts, and shaped to disturb the interfaces and accelerate mixing by establishing substantially radially inwardly and substantially radially outwardly interdigitated flow patterns between said fluids.

Claim 99

An annular combustion chamber concentric about an axis and having a primary combustion zone and including: A. inner and outer duct members of circular cross section and positioned coaxially about said axis and shaped to define an annular passage therebetween and communicating with the primary combustion zone at its downstream end, B. means to pass a swirling fuel-air mixture through said annular passage with both tangential and axial velocity about said axis, C. a combustion flameholder mechanism located in said annular passage between the inlet thereof and the primary combustion zone and comprIsing:

Claim 100

An annular combustion chamber concentric about an axis and having a primary combustion zone and including: A. inner and outer duct members of circular cross section and positioned coaxially about said axis and shaped to define an annular passage therebetween and communicating with the primary combustion zone at its downstream end, B. means to pass a swirling fuel-air mixture through said annular passage with both tangential and axial velocity about said axis, C. a combustion flameholder mechanism located in said annular passage between the inlet thereof and the primary combustion zone and comprIsing:

Claim 101

An annular combustion chamber having a combustion zone including a concentric mixer comprising: A. inner and outer ducts of substantial circular cross section positioned coaxially to define a first annular passage therebetween, enveloping the primary combustion zone, B. a splitter duct of circular cross section positioned between said first and second ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said first and second ducts, C. means to pass a first swirling fuel-air mixture through said second annular passage with said first fuel-air mixture having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1, D. means to ignite said first fuel-air mixture and establish a pilot combustion zone in said second annular passage to produce combustion or products of combustion having a density of Rho 3 and tangential velocity Vt3 entering said first annular passage from said second annular passage, and E. means to pass a second fuel-air mixture, dissimilar to said first fuel-air mixture, through said third annular passage and with said second fuel-air mixture having a selected density Rho 2 and a selected tangential velocity Rho Vt2, so that the product parameter Rho 2 Vt2 > Rho 3 Vt32 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct for accelerated mixing and combustion therebetween.

Claim 102

An annular combustion chamber having a combustion zone including a concentric mixer comprising: A. inner and outer ducts of substantial circular cross section positioned coaxially to define a first annular passage therebetween, enveloping the primary combustion zone, B. a splitter duct of circular cross section positioned between said first and second ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said first and second ducts, C. means to pass a first swirling fuel-air mixture through said second annular passage with said first fuel-air mixture having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1, D. means to ignite said first fuel-air mixture and establish a pilot combustion zone in said second annular passage to produce combustion or products of combustion having a density of Rho 3 and tangential velocity Vt3 entering said first annular passage from said second annular passage, and E. means to pass a second fuel-air mixture, dissimilar to said first fuel-air mixture, through said third annular passage and with said second fuel-air mixture having a selected density Rho 2 and a selected tangential velocity Rho Vt2, so that the product parameter Rho 2 Vt2 > Rho 3 Vt32 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct for accelerated mixing and combustion therebetween.

Claim 105

The method according to claim 25 wherein said first fluid is a combustible fuel-air mixture and said second fluid is a pilot fluid.

Claim 106

The method according to claim 25 wherein said first fluid is air and wherein said second fluid is a fuel-rich vitiated air mixture derived by adding fuel to vitiated products of combustion.

Claim 107

A combustion chamber including a duct adapted to define a passage through which at leAst two fluids flow in swirling side-by-side relationship to establish an interface therebetween with one of said fluids having a density Rho 1 and a tangential velocity Vt1 and another of said fluids having a density Rho 2 and a tangential velocity Vt2, means to establish the product parameter Rho Vt2 of one of said fluids to be different than the corresponding product parameter Rho Vt2 of the other fluid to accelerate intermixing therebetween and including trigger means to physically disturb the interface and establish interdigitated substantially radially inwardly and substantially radially outwardly sheet flow between said two fluids.

Claim 108

A combustion chamber including a duct adapted to define a passage through which at leAst two fluids flow in swirling side-by-side relationship to establish an interface therebetween with one of said fluids having a density Rho 1 and a tangential velocity Vt1 and another of said fluids having a density Rho 2 and a tangential velocity Vt2, means to establish the product parameter Rho Vt2 of one of said fluids to be different than the corresponding product parameter Rho Vt2 of the other fluid to accelerate intermixing therebetween and including trigger means to physically disturb the interface and establish interdigitated substantially radially inwardly and substantially radially outwardly sheet flow between said two fluids.

Claim 109

Apparatus according to claim 15 wherein the following mixing criteria exists: Rho 2 Vt22 > Rho 1 Vt12.

Claim 110

Apparatus according to claim 7 and including apertures in said corrugated trigger.

Claim 111

Apparatus according to claim 7 and including scoop means operatively connected to the corrugations of said trigger and shaped to intercept the flow of one of said fluids and cause it to pass through said aperture to effect trigger means cooling and to increase the rate of mixing between the two fluids.

Claim 112

Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said trigger means constitutes a plurality of vortex generators in the form of selectively contoured vaned members positioned circumferentially about the periphery of said splitter duct at the after end thereof and extending into at least one of said first and second annular passages.

Claim 113

Apparatus according to claim 32 wherein the curvature of adjacent vortex generator vanes is opposite.

Claim 114

Apparatus according to claim 33 wherein said vortex generators constitute at least one circumferentially positioned rows of vanes.

Claim 115

Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said trigger means comprises a circumferentially oriented plurality of helically shaped slot members forming the downstream end of said splitter duct.

Claim 116

Apparatus according to claim 35 wherein said helical slots extend in the direction of flow of at least one of said fluids.

Claim 117

Apparatus according to claim 17 and wherein said trigger means comprises at least two axially spaced circumferentially oriented rows of helical slots located at the downstream end of said splitter duct and oriented or extended in the direction of flow of at least one of said fluids.

Claim 118

Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said trigger means is a helically corrugated ring forming the downstream end of said splitter duct and having helically shaped slots therein with both the corrugations and the slots extending substantially in the direction of flow of one of said fluids.

Claim 119

Apparatus according to claim 36 and including scoop means connected to said helical slots and shaped to project into one of said first or second passages to intercept fluid passing therethrough and to direct that fluid through its associated helical slot.

Claim 120

Apparatus according to claim 17 wherein said second fluid is air and including apparatus to inject fuel into said second passage and to support combustion thereof a sufficient distance forward of the downstream end of said splitter duct so that said initially injected fuel is substantially fully vitiated forward of said downstream end of said splitter duct, and further including second means to inject fuel into said second passage forward of the downstream end of said splitter duct to mix with and be heated by the fully vitiated products of combustion therein so that said second fluid comprises a combustible fuel-air mixture of said substantially vitiated products of combustion and said fuel injected by said second fuel injection means so that said first and second fluids will mix and combust in said first passage downstream of said splitter duct.

Claim 121

Apparatus according to claim 18 wherein said first fluid is a combustible fuel-air mixture.

Claim 122

An annular combustion chamber inCluding: A. inner and outer wall member of circular cross-section and concentric about an axis to define a first annular passage therebetween. B. a first duct member of circular cross-section positioned in said first annular passage coaxially with said wall members and cooperating with said inner wall members to define a second annular passage therebetween, C. a second duct member of circular cross-section positioned coaxially with said wall members and positioned between said first duct member and said outer wall member and cooperating with said outer wall member to define a third annular passage therebetween and cooperating with said duct member to define a divergent annular passage therebetween, D. at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said second duct member to place said third annular passage into communication with said divergent annular passage. E. at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said first duct member to place said second annular passage into communication with said diverging annular passage, F. means to pass first swirling fluid of density Rho 1 through said diverging annular passage at a tangential velocity Vt1, G. means to pass second fluid through said second annular passage and through said slots in said first duct member to enter said divergent annular passage at density Rho 2 and tangential velocity Vt2 so that the product parameter Rho 1 Vt12 of the first fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 2 Vt22 of the second fluid to accelerate intermixing between said first and second fluids, and H. means to pass a third fluid through said third annular passage and through said helical slots in said second duct member to enter said diverging annular passage at density Rho 3 and tangential velocity Vt3 and so that the product parameter Rho 3 Vt32 of the third fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 1 Vt12 of the first fluid to accelerate mixing between said first and third fluids.

Claim 123

An annular combustion chamber inCluding: A. inner and outer wall member of circular cross-section and concentric about an axis to define a first annular passage therebetween. B. a first duct member of circular cross-section positioned in said first annular passage coaxially with said wall members and cooperating with said inner wall members to define a second annular passage therebetween, C. a second duct member of circular cross-section positioned coaxially with said wall members and positioned between said first duct member and said outer wall member and cooperating with said outer wall member to define a third annular passage therebetween and cooperating with said duct member to define a divergent annular passage therebetween, D. at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said second duct member to place said third annular passage into communication with said divergent annular passage. E. at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said first duct member to place said second annular passage into communication with said diverging annular passage, F. means to pass first swirling fluid of density Rho 1 through said diverging annular passage at a tangential velocity Vt1, G. means to pass second fluid through said second annular passage and through said slots in said first duct member to enter said divergent annular passage at density Rho 2 and tangential velocity Vt2 so that the product parameter Rho 1 Vt12 of the first fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 2 Vt22 of the second fluid to accelerate intermixing between said first and second fluids, and H. means to pass a third fluid through said third annular passage and through said helical slots in said second duct member to enter said diverging annular passage at density Rho 3 and tangential velocity Vt3 and so that the product parameter Rho 3 Vt32 of the third fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 1 Vt12 of the first fluid to accelerate mixing between said first and third fluids.

Claim 124

Apparatus according to claim 42 and including flow directing guide vanes operatively associated with the slots in said first and second duct members to assist in achieving the desired product parameter Rho Vt2 to accelerate fluid intermixing.

Claim 125

Apparatus according to claim 42 wherein said first fluid is a fuel-air mixture and wherein said second and third fluids are secondary flow air.

Claim 126

Apparatus according to claim 42 wherein said first fluid is a burning fuel-air mixture serving as a pilot flame and including means to inject atomized fuel into said second and third annular passages so that said second and third fluids are combustible fuel-air mixture which mix with and are ignited by said pilot flame for combustion in said divergent annular passage.

Claim 127

Apparatus according to claim 42 wherein said second and third fluids are air and wherein said first and second duct members are cylinders at their forward ends and diverge at their after ends to cooperate to form an annular passage therebetween with parallel side walls at its forward end and said divergent annular passage at its after end, and further including first fuel injection means and combustion supporting means located in said parallel walled annular passage at a station forward of said divergent annular passage so that products of combustion are substantially fully vitiated upstream thereof, and still further including means to inject fuel into said substantially vitiated products of combustion in said parallel walled annular chamber so that said first fluid entering said divergent annular chamber consists of a heated mixture of the atomized fuel and the vitiated products of combustion which ignite and burn with said first and second fluids in said divergent annular passage.

Claim 128

Apparatus acCording to claim 42 wherein said inner and outer wall members are substantially cylindrical in shape and wherein said first and second duct members are cylindrical in shape at their forward ends and diverge from one another at their after end at the station of the slots so that said first and second duct members cooperate to define an annular passage with parallel walls at their forward end and said annular divergent passage at their after ends and so that said second and third annular passages are convergent at their after ends in the vicinity of the slot station.

Claim 129

Apparatus according to claim 40 and including means to inject atomized fuel into said annular passage with parallel walls and to support combustion thereof in said annular, parallel walled passage so that said first fluid entering said divergent annular passage is a combusting fuel-air mixture.

Claim 130

An annular combustion chamber having a combustion zone and a dilution zone axially spaced therein and wherein the combustion zone includes a concentric mixer and the dilution zone includes a concentric mixer and wherein said combustion zone concentric mixer comprises: A. inner and outer ducts of substantial circular cross-section positioned coaxially to define a first annular passage therebetween, enveloping the primary combustion zone, B. a splitter duct of circular cross-section positioned between said first and second ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said first and second ducts, C. means to pass a first swirling fluid through said second annular passage with said first fluid having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1, D. means to pass a second fluid, dissimilar to said first fluid, through said third annular passage and with said second fluid having a selected density Rho 2 and a selected tangential velocity Vt2 so that the product parameter Rho 2 Vt2 > Rho 1 Vt12 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct for mixing therein to form a combustible fluid.

Claim 131

An annular combustion chamber having a combustion zone and a dilution zone axially spaced therein and wherein the combustion zone includes a concentric mixer and the dilution zone includes a concentric mixer and wherein said combustion zone concentric mixer comprises: A. inner and outer ducts of substantial circular cross-section positioned coaxially to define a first annular passage therebetween, enveloping the primary combustion zone, B. a splitter duct of circular cross-section positioned between said first and second ducts and cooperating therewith to define a second annular passage radially outward thereof and a third annular passage radially inward thereof and having a downstream end terminating short of said first and second ducts, C. means to pass a first swirling fluid through said second annular passage with said first fluid having a selected density Rho 1 and a selected tangential velocity Vt1, D. means to pass a second fluid, dissimilar to said first fluid, through said third annular passage and with said second fluid having a selected density Rho 2 and a selected tangential velocity Vt2 so that the product parameter Rho 2 Vt2 > Rho 1 Vt12 to thereby establish an unstable interface between said fluids in said first annular passage downstream of said splitter duct for mixing therein to form a combustible fluid.

Claim 132

Apparatus according to claim 20 and including means to cool said inner and outer ducts of said combustion zone and said dilution zone mixers.

Claim 133

Apparatus according to claim 20 and including a circumferentially extending vane cascade located at the upstream end of said second and third annular passage of said combustion zone mixer and said third annular passage of said dilution zone mixer and which vanes are selectively oriented to produce the desired tangential velocity Vt of the fluid passing into their respective annular passages.

Claim 134

Apparatus according to claim 51 wherein at least one of said vane cascades is of the variable positionable variety.

Claim 135

An annular combustion chamber which is concentric about an axis and includes a combustion zone and dilution zone axially spaced therefrom, said combustion zone having radially staged mixing therein and including: A. a combustion zone mixer having:

Claim 136

An annular combustion chamber which is concentric about an axis and includes a combustion zone and dilution zone axially spaced therefrom, said combustion zone having radially staged mixing therein and including: A. a combustion zone mixer having:

Claim 137

An annular combustion chamber which is concentric about an axis and includes a combustion zone and a dilution zone axially spaced therefrom, said combustion zone including a combustion zone mixer having: A. inner and outer wall members of circular cross-section and concentric about said axis to define a first annular passage therebetween, B. a first duct member of circular cross-section positioned in said first annular passage coaxially with said wall members and cooperating with said inner wall member to define a second annular passage therebetween and converging toward said inner wall member in a downstream direction, C. a second duct member of circular cross-section positioned coaxially with said wall members and positioned between said first duct member and said outer wall member and cooperating with said outer wall member to define a third annular passage therebetween and converging toward said outer wall member in a downstream direction and cooperating with first duct member to define a divergent annular passage therebetween, D. at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said second duct member to place said third annular passage into communication with said divergent annular passage, E. at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said first duct member to place said second annular passage into communication with said diverging annular passage, F. means to pass a first swirling fluid of density Rho 1 through said diverging annular passage at a tangential velocity Vt1, G. means to pass second fluid through said second annular passage and through said slots in said first duct member to enter said divergent annular passage at density Rho 2 and tangential velocity Vt2 so that the product parameter Rho 1 Vt12 of the first fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 2 Vt2 2 of the second fluid to accelerate intermixing between said first and second fluids at a first stage, and, H. means to pass a third fluid through said third annular passage and through said helical slots in said second duct member to enter said diverging annular passage at density Rho 3 and tangential velocity Vt3 and so that the product parameter Rho 3 Vt32 of the third fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 1 Vt1 2 of the first fluid to accelerate mixing between said first and third fluids at a second stage radially displaced from said first stage and so that said first, second and third fluids mix to form a fourth fluid of density Rho 4 and tangential velocity Vt4 in said divergent annular passage.

Claim 138

An annular combustion chamber which is concentric about an axis and includes a combustion zone and a dilution zone axially spaced therefrom, said combustion zone including a combustion zone mixer having: A. inner and outer wall members of circular cross-section and concentric about said axis to define a first annular passage therebetween, B. a first duct member of circular cross-section positioned in said first annular passage coaxially with said wall members and cooperating with said inner wall member to define a second annular passage therebetween and converging toward said inner wall member in a downstream direction, C. a second duct member of circular cross-section positioned coaxially with said wall members and positioned between said first duct member and said outer wall member and cooperating with said outer wall member to define a third annular passage therebetween and converging toward said outer wall member in a downstream direction and cooperating with first duct member to define a divergent annular passage therebetween, D. at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said second duct member to place said third annular passage into communication with said divergent annular passage, E. at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said first duct member to place said second annular passage into communication with said diverging annular passage, F. means to pass a first swirling fluid of density Rho 1 through said diverging annular passage at a tangential velocity Vt1, G. means to pass second fluid through said second annular passage and through said slots in said first duct member to enter said divergent annular passage at density Rho 2 and tangential velocity Vt2 so that the product parameter Rho 1 Vt12 of the first fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 2 Vt2 2 of the second fluid to accelerate intermixing between said first and second fluids at a first stage, and, H. means to pass a third fluid through said third annular passage and through said helical slots in said second duct member to enter said diverging annular passage at density Rho 3 and tangential velocity Vt3 and so that the product parameter Rho 3 Vt32 of the third fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 1 Vt1 2 of the first fluid to accelerate mixing between said first and third fluids at a second stage radially displaced from said first stage and so that said first, second and third fluids mix to form a fourth fluid of density Rho 4 and tangential velocity Vt4 in said divergent annular passage.

Claim 139

An annular combustion chamber which is concentric about an axis and includes a combustion zone and a dilution zone axially spaced therefrom, said dilution zone including a dilution zone mixer having: A. inner and outer wall members of circular cross-section and concentric about an axis to define a first annular passage therebetween, B. a first duct member of circular cross-section positioned in said first annular passage coaxially with said wall members and cooperating with said inner wall member to define a second annular passage therebetween, C. a second duct member of circular cross-section positioned coaxially with said wall members and positioned between said first duct member and said outer wall member and cooperating with said outer wall member to define a third annular passage therebetween and cooperating with first duct member to define a fourth annular passage therebetween, D. at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said second duct member to place said third annular passage into communication with said fourtH annular passage, E. at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said first duct member to place said second annular passage into communication with said fourth annular passage, F. means to pass a first swirling fluid of density Rho 1 through said fourth annular passage at a tangential velocity Vt1, G. means to pass second fluid through said second annular passage and through said slots in said first duct member to enter said fourth annular passage at density Rho 2 and tangential velocity Vt2 so that the product parameter Rho 1 Vt12 of the first fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 2 Vt2 2 of the second fluid to accelerate intermixing between said first and second fluids at a first stage and, H. means to pass a third fluid through said third annular passage and through said helical slots in said second duct member to enter said fourth annular passage at density Rho 3 and tangential velocity Vt3 and so that the product parameter Rho 3 Vt3 2 of the third fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 1 Vt1 2 of the first fluid to accelerate mixing between said first and third fluids at a second stage spaced radially from said first stage.

Claim 140

An annular combustion chamber which is concentric about an axis and includes a combustion zone and a dilution zone axially spaced therefrom, said dilution zone including a dilution zone mixer having: A. inner and outer wall members of circular cross-section and concentric about an axis to define a first annular passage therebetween, B. a first duct member of circular cross-section positioned in said first annular passage coaxially with said wall members and cooperating with said inner wall member to define a second annular passage therebetween, C. a second duct member of circular cross-section positioned coaxially with said wall members and positioned between said first duct member and said outer wall member and cooperating with said outer wall member to define a third annular passage therebetween and cooperating with first duct member to define a fourth annular passage therebetween, D. at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said second duct member to place said third annular passage into communication with said fourtH annular passage, E. at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said first duct member to place said second annular passage into communication with said fourth annular passage, F. means to pass a first swirling fluid of density Rho 1 through said fourth annular passage at a tangential velocity Vt1, G. means to pass second fluid through said second annular passage and through said slots in said first duct member to enter said fourth annular passage at density Rho 2 and tangential velocity Vt2 so that the product parameter Rho 1 Vt12 of the first fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 2 Vt2 2 of the second fluid to accelerate intermixing between said first and second fluids at a first stage and, H. means to pass a third fluid through said third annular passage and through said helical slots in said second duct member to enter said fourth annular passage at density Rho 3 and tangential velocity Vt3 and so that the product parameter Rho 3 Vt3 2 of the third fluid is less than the product parameter Rho 1 Vt1 2 of the first fluid to accelerate mixing between said first and third fluids at a second stage spaced radially from said first stage.

Claim 141

Apparatus according to claim 53 and wherein the row of helical slots in the second duct member of said combustion zone mixer and said dilution zone mixer are oppositely directed to the slots in the row of helical slots in the first duct member of said combustion zone mixer and said dilution zone mixer.

Claim 142

Apparatus according to claim 53 wherein said first fluid is a combusting mixture, wherein said second and third fluids are combustible fuel-air mixtures which interdigitate and mix at an accelerated rate with said first fluid in said combustion zone and wherein said fourth fluid is the product of combustion from said combustion zone and wherein said fifth and sixth fluids are diluents which mix at an accelerated rate with and cool said fourth fluid in said dilution zone.

Claim 143

Apparatus according to claim 57 wherein said first and second duct members of said combustion zone mixer are cylindrical members at their upstream ends to define an annular passageway having parallel side walls and are divegent at their downstream ends to define said divergent annular passage and said combustion zone and including means to inject fuel and sustain combustion in said parallel walled annular passage to establish a pilot combustion zone therein to serve as a pilot flame for the primary combustion zone.

Claim 144

Apparatus according to claim 53 and including selectively oriented flow guide means operatively associated with said helically directed slots in said first and second duct members of said dilution zone mixer, which guide vane and slot combination is selectively oriented to produce a tangential velocity Vt5 which is substantially larger than tangential velocity Vt6.

Claim 145

An annular combustion chamber concentric about an axis providing compound mixing with radial and axial staging including a combustion zone axially spaced from a dilution zone and wherein said combustion zone includes: A. a concentric mixer comprising:

Claim 146

An annular combustion chamber concentric about an axis providing compound mixing with radial and axial staging including a combustion zone axially spaced from a dilution zone and wherein said combustion zone includes: A. a concentric mixer comprising:

Claim 147

Apparatus according to claim 60 wherein said helical slots in said first and second duct members of said dilution zone mixer are oppositely disposed.

Claim 148

Apparatus according to claim 60 and including guide vanes operatively associated with said slots in said first and second duct members of said dilution zone mixer and shaped to cooperate with said slots so that tangential velocity Vt4 is larger than tangential velocity Vt5.

Claim 149

Apparatus according to claim 60 wherein the first annular passage defines the primary combustion zone downstream of said combustion zone mixer splitter duct, and wherein said second fluid is combustible fuel-air mixture flowing through said third annular passageway into said primary combustion zone and wherein said first fluid is a combusting fluid operating as a pilot flame and flowing into said primary combustion zone to mix with and ignite said second fluid to combust therewith in said combustion zone to form said third fluid which is the products of combustion formed in said primary combustion zone, and further, wherein said first and second duct members of said dilution zone mixer form said dilution zone in saiD seventh annular passage and wherein said fourth and fifth fluids are diluent fluids which enter said dilution zone from said fifth and sixth annular passages to mix with and cool said primary combustion zone products of combustion in said dilution zone.

Claim 150

Apparatus according to claim 60 and including trigger means attached to the downstream end of said splitter duct of said combustion zone mixer to stir the interface of the first and second fluids flowing thereover.

Claim 151

An annular combustion chamber concentric about an axis and having a primary combustion zone positioned forward of a dilution zone and having a barberpole mixed immediately forward of the primary combustion zone and including: A. outer and inner wall members of circular cross-section and concentric about an axis and supported so as to diverge in a downstream direction to form a first annular passage of a divergent nature therebetween, B. a first duct member of circular cross-section positioned in said first annular passage coaxially with said wall members and cooperating with said inner wall member to define a second annular passage therebetween, C. a second duct member of circular cross-section positioned coaxially with said wall members and positioned between said first duct member and said outer wall member and cooperating with said outer wall member to define a third annular passage therebetween and with said first and second duct member shaped and positioned to define a fourth annular passage which diverges in a downstream direction therebetween, and at least partially envelopes the primary combustion zone and with said first and second duct members having an upstream end positioned downstream of the upstream end of said inner and outer wall members, D. means to inject fuel into said first annular passage at the upstream end thereof so as to provide a fuel-air mixture into said second, third and fourth annular passages. E. at least one row of helically directed circumferentially oriented slots extending through said second duct member to place said third annular passage into communication with said fourth annular passage, F. at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said first duct member to place said second annular passage into communication with said fourth annular passage, G. a first cascade of selectively oriented flow turning vanes positioned at substantially the upstream end of said fourth annular passage and extending circumferentially therearound, H. flameholder means positioned immediately downstream of said cascade of vanes and positioned substantially at the mid-radial position thereof to establish a recirculation zone downstream thereof, I. a second cascade of selectively oriented vanes positioned circumferentially around and at substantially the upstream end of said second annular passage, J. ignitor means located in said fourth annular passage, the vanes of said first cascade being oriented so that the fuel-air mixture passing thereover from said first passage and ignited downstream thereof by said ignition means to combust downstream of said flameholder produces a combusting fluid of density Rho 1 and tangential velocity Vt1 in said fourth annular passage and said primary combustion zone, the slots of said second duct member being oriented so that the fuel-air mixture passing therethrough from said first annular passage will constitute a fuel-air mixture flowing into said primary combustion zone at density Rho 2 and tangential velocity Vt2 to be ignited by and burn with said first fluid in said primary combustion zone, the vanes of said second cascade and the slots in said first duct member being shaped and oriented to cooperate and cause the fuel-air mixture which passes through said second annular passage from said first annular passage to pass over said second vane cascade and through said slots of said first duct Member to enter the primary combustion zone as a fuel-air mixture of density Rho 3 and tangential velocity Vt3 so as to be ignited by and combust with said first fluid and the fuel-air mixture from the third annular passage in said primary combustion zone, and wherein said vanes and slots are selectively shaped and oriented that the following product parameter relationship exists: Rho 3 Vt32 > Rho 1 Vt12 > Rho 2 Vt22

Claim 152

An annular combustion chamber concentric about an axis and having a primary combustion zone positioned forward of a dilution zone and having a barberpole mixed immediately forward of the primary combustion zone and including: A. outer and inner wall members of circular cross-section and concentric about an axis and supported so as to diverge in a downstream direction to form a first annular passage of a divergent nature therebetween, B. a first duct member of circular cross-section positioned in said first annular passage coaxially with said wall members and cooperating with said inner wall member to define a second annular passage therebetween, C. a second duct member of circular cross-section positioned coaxially with said wall members and positioned between said first duct member and said outer wall member and cooperating with said outer wall member to define a third annular passage therebetween and with said first and second duct member shaped and positioned to define a fourth annular passage which diverges in a downstream direction therebetween, and at least partially envelopes the primary combustion zone and with said first and second duct members having an upstream end positioned downstream of the upstream end of said inner and outer wall members, D. means to inject fuel into said first annular passage at the upstream end thereof so as to provide a fuel-air mixture into said second, third and fourth annular passages. E. at least one row of helically directed circumferentially oriented slots extending through said second duct member to place said third annular passage into communication with said fourth annular passage, F. at least one row of helically directed and circumferentially oriented slots extending through said first duct member to place said second annular passage into communication with said fourth annular passage, G. a first cascade of selectively oriented flow turning vanes positioned at substantially the upstream end of said fourth annular passage and extending circumferentially therearound, H. flameholder means positioned immediately downstream of said cascade of vanes and positioned substantially at the mid-radial position thereof to establish a recirculation zone downstream thereof, I. a second cascade of selectively oriented vanes positioned circumferentially around and at substantially the upstream end of said second annular passage, J. ignitor means located in said fourth annular passage, the vanes of said first cascade being oriented so that the fuel-air mixture passing thereover from said first passage and ignited downstream thereof by said ignition means to combust downstream of said flameholder produces a combusting fluid of density Rho 1 and tangential velocity Vt1 in said fourth annular passage and said primary combustion zone, the slots of said second duct member being oriented so that the fuel-air mixture passing therethrough from said first annular passage will constitute a fuel-air mixture flowing into said primary combustion zone at density Rho 2 and tangential velocity Vt2 to be ignited by and burn with said first fluid in said primary combustion zone, the vanes of said second cascade and the slots in said first duct member being shaped and oriented to cooperate and cause the fuel-air mixture which passes through said second annular passage from said first annular passage to pass over said second vane cascade and through said slots of said first duct Member to enter the primary combustion zone as a fuel-air mixture of density Rho 3 and tangential velocity Vt3 so as to be ignited by and combust with said first fluid and the fuel-air mixture from the third annular passage in said primary combustion zone, and wherein said vanes and slots are selectively shaped and oriented that the following product parameter relationship exists: Rho 3 Vt32 > Rho 1 Vt12 > Rho 2 Vt22

Claim 153

Apparatus according to claim 65 and including means to cool said outer and inner wall members.

Claim 154

Apparatus according to claim 65 and including means to dilute and cool the products of combustion from said primary combustion zone in said dilution zone.

Claim 155

An annular combustion chamber concentric about an axis and having a primary combustion zone and including: A. inner and outer duct members of circular cross-section and positioned coaxially about said axis and shaped to define an annular passage therebetween and communicating with the primary combustion zone at its downstream end, B. means to pass a swirling fuel-air mixture through said annular passage with both tangential and axial velocity about said axis, C. a combustion flameholder mechanism located in said annular passage between the inlet thereof and the primary combustion zone and comprising:

Claim 156

An annular combustion chamber concentric about an axis and having a primary combustion zone and including: A. inner and outer duct members of circular cross-section and positioned coaxially about said axis and shaped to define an annular passage therebetween and communicating with the primary combustion zone at its downstream end, B. means to pass a swirling fuel-air mixture through said annular passage with both tangential and axial velocity about said axis, C. a combustion flameholder mechanism located in said annular passage between the inlet thereof and the primary combustion zone and comprising:

Claim 157

An annular combustion chamber concentric about an axis and having a combustion zone located axially forward or upstream of a dilution zone and including: A. inner and outer duct members of circular cross-section and positioned coaxially about said axis and shaped to define a diverging annular passage therebetween increasing in cross-sectional area in a downstream direction and communicating with the primary combustion zone at its downstream end, B. means to pass a swirling fuel-air mixture of density Rho 1 through said diverging annular passage at tangential velocity Vt1, C. a combination flameholder and mixing trigger mechanism located in said annular passage between the inlet thereof and the primary combustion zone and attached to the outer duct member and comprising a convoluted ring with convolutions increasing in a downstream direction and extending around the periphery of said annular passage and with said convolutions being in substantially helical shape to substantially assume the direction of flow of the fuel-air mixture passing through the annular passage and including a plurality of apertures on the walls thereof to permit some of the fuel-air mixture from the annular passage to pass therethrough into the interior of said flameholder mechanism, D. ignitor means operatively associated with said flameholder and trigger mechanism to ignite the portion of the fuel-air mixture entering the interior of said flameholder mechanism through said apertures to form a combusting fluid of density Rho 2 and having a tangential velocity Vt2 imparted thereto by the convolutions of the flameholder to establish the product parameter relationship Rho 2 Vt2 is less than Rho 1 Vt12 so as to establish an unstable and convoluted interface between the fuel-air mixture of the annular passage and the products of combustion so as to accelerate mixing and combustion therebetween in said primary combustion zone.

Claim 158

An annular combustion chamber concentric about an axis and having a combustion zone located axially forward or upstream of a dilution zone and including: A. inner and outer duct members of circular cross-section and positioned coaxially about said axis and shaped to define a diverging annular passage therebetween increasing in cross-sectional area in a downstream direction and communicating with the primary combustion zone at its downstream end, B. means to pass a swirling fuel-air mixture of density Rho 1 through said diverging annular passage at tangential velocity Vt1, C. a combination flameholder and mixing trigger mechanism located in said annular passage between the inlet thereof and the primary combustion zone and attached to the outer duct member and comprising a convoluted ring with convolutions increasing in a downstream direction and extending around the periphery of said annular passage and with said convolutions being in substantially helical shape to substantially assume the direction of flow of the fuel-air mixture passing through the annular passage and including a plurality of apertures on the walls thereof to permit some of the fuel-air mixture from the annular passage to pass therethrough into the interior of said flameholder mechanism, D. ignitor means operatively associated with said flameholder and trigger mechanism to ignite the portion of the fuel-air mixture entering the interior of said flameholder mechanism through said apertures to form a combusting fluid of density Rho 2 and having a tangential velocity Vt2 imparted thereto by the convolutions of the flameholder to establish the product parameter relationship Rho 2 Vt2 is less than Rho 1 Vt12 so as to establish an unstable and convoluted interface between the fuel-air mixture of the annular passage and the products of combustion so as to accelerate mixing and combustion therebetween in said primary combustion zone.

Claim 159

Apparatus according to claim 68 and including means to cool said outer and inner duct members.

Claim 160

Apparatus according to claim 69 wherein said combination flameholder and trigger mechanism has helically directed convolutions which trough at their minimum radial station and peak at their maximum radial station and including: A. means to improve triggering performance of this combination flameholder and trigger mechanism comprising:

Claim 161

Apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said duct is of circular cross-section and including means to cause said fluids to flow in coannular side-by-side relationship.

Claim 162

Apparatus according to claim 28 wherein said combustion chamber is an annular combustion chamber and wherein said flow path of said two dissimilar fluids is coannular.

Claim 163

Apparatus according to claim 28 wherein the flow paths of said two dissimilar fluids is about a common center of curvature.