Description

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).

In this course material, the student gets familiar with the Brayton Cycle, its components, T - s diagram, ideal and real operation and major performance trends.