Researchers from the Department of Mechanical and Process Engineering at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH) are testing hydrogen engines for use in the aviation sector. The background to this research is that hydrogen behaves differently when burned in comparison with the kerosene used up to now. The materials used in such engines must be adapted to fit these new conditions. According to a press release issued by ETH, the research team led by Nicolas Noiray is examining how sound waves generated by the combustion of hydrogen interact with vibrations in the engine material.
“Hydrogen burns much faster than kerosene, resulting in more compact flames”, comments Nicolas Noiray. In a combustion chamber, 20 injection nozzles are arranged in a ring. When the fuel burns, sound waves are generated that cause vibrations in the surrounding material. “These vibrations can fatigue the material, which in the worst case could lead to cracks and damage”, states Abel Faure-Beaulieu, a researcher in Noiray’s group, in the press release, adding that: “This is why, when new engines are being developed, care is taken to ensure that these vibrations do not occur under operating conditions”.
The acoustic tests are carried out on various engine models in the ETH laboratory. In addition to the measurements on the hydrogen flames, different flight altitudes are also simulated. As part of the EU project Hydea, these tests are carried out on injection nozzles from GE Aerospace. As is the case with ETH, the company is also involved in the EU project. ce/ww
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