In this paper, the unsteady aero loads in a typical gas turbine fuel nozzle (GTFN) are analyzed using detached eddy simulation (DES) and finite element models. These numerical models are validated with component and system level rig test data collected at GE Power & Water's combustion laboratory in Greenville, SC, and the models are used as design tools to reduce periodic pressure forces on GTFNs with a purge flow concept. Moreover, field tests were conducted at a joint development platform facility to verify the dynamic response during the design analysis cycle (DAC). This DAC is an example of GE Power & Water's capability in assessing the durability of its hardware using a combination of analytical tools and laboratory tests, along with verifications through field tests in real conditions. Such resources have enabled GE engineers to improve the hardware design and increase the life of GTFNs as a result.
Nomenclature
D h= hydraulic diameter f = frequency M = moments (with x, y, z subscripts for components) S = Strouhal number U = velocity