In work that could lead to the development of greener aero engines, Manchester University (Manchester, UK; www.manchester.ac.uk) academics plan to measure and image the molecular and particulate species in gas turbine aero-engine exhausts using tomographic imaging techniques.
Hugh McCann, the professor of industrial tomography who is leading the project, said that by capturing images of the emissions from the turbines, researchers could determine the condition and behavior of internal engine components, especially the combustor.
The FLITES (Fibre-Laser Imaging of Gas Turbine Exhaust Species) project will build upon research carried out at the university by researchers who have previously used tomography techniques to examine the distribution of the fuel-vapor mixture in automotive engines.
The four-year study—which starts in February 2012—will see the Manchester academics work with academic and commercial partners including the Universities of Southampton and Strathclyde, Rolls-Royce, Shell, Covesion, Fianium, and OptoSci.
The FLITES team has been awarded £1.8 million in funding by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), with the companies providing more than £500,000 in support.
