Evaluation of acoustic cavities for combustion stabilization.

The stabilizing influence of acoustic cavities (quarterwave acoustic resonators) on acoustic modes of combustion instability has been studied. The ability to analytically predict cavity damping was improved. Relatively good agreement between predicted damping and measured stability was demonstrated. Full-scale motor firings were made to evaluate the influence of several parameters on stability. Results from these firings showed that stability was changed, but not dramatically, by changes in the engine operating conditions. Variations in the film-coolant flowrate do not significantly affect cavity stabilization. The ability to stabilize an engine with unconventional cavity configurations was demonstrated.