Analysis of Particle Emissions from a Jet Engine Including Conditions of Afterburner Use

Abstract

Particle emissions from aircraft engines are mainly related to the emission of particles with very small diameters. The phenomena of the formation of particles in various operating conditions of turbine engines are known. However, it is difficult to find the results of research on the use of the afterburner in the literature. Increased aviation activity within military airports and situations such as air shows are associated with a very intense emission of particles, and pose a direct threat to human health. This article presents an analysis of particulate matter emissions from a military aircraft engine, with particular emphasis on operation with an afterburner. The parameters of the emission of particles determined were: PM Number Emissions Index (EIN), Particle Number Emissions Intensity (EN), PM Mass Emission Index (EIM), PM Mass Emission Intensity (EM), Differential Particle Number Emission Index, Differential Particle Volume Emission Index, and Differential Particle Mass Emission Index. The value of EIN for the afterburner use was the lowest among the whole operation range of the engine and was equal to 1.3 × 1015 particles per kilogram. The use of an afterburner resulted in a sharp increase in the EIM coefficient, which reached 670 mg/kg. Despite a very large increase in fuel consumption, the EIM coefficient turned out to be over 60 times greater than in the case of 100% engine thrust.