Brayton Cycle (Gas Turbine) Ideal vs Real Operation for Propulsion Application Analysis

In this course material, the open, simple Brayton Cycle used for stationary power generation is considered providing thrust instead of power output.  In order to keep the scope of the thrust analysis simple, the working fluid exiting gas turbine expands to the atmospheric conditions -- final working fluid exit pressure is equal to the ambient pressure.

The Brayton Cycle thermal efficiency is presented only for the air as the working fluid.  The thermal efficiency derivation is presented with a simple mathematical approach.  The Brayton Cycle is presented in a T - s diagram and its major performance trends (specific propulsion output and propulsion output) are plotted in a few figures as a function of compression ratio, gas turbine inlet temperature, working fluid mass flow rate and both isentropic compression and expansion efficiency.  It should be noted that this course material does not deal with costs (capital, operational or maintenance).

His over 35 years engineering experience includes performing analytical modeling and computer modeling of physical properties, power cycles, power cycle components/processes and compressible flow.  Also, conducting conceptual design, analysis and evaluation of energy conversion systems for basic and simple power and propulsion cycles.