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The application of dynamic cold neutron fluoroscopy for the visualisation of fuel and oil system operating characteristics in gas turbine development

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 July 2016

P. A. E. Stewart
P. A. E. Stewart*
Affiliation:
Advanced Projects Department, Test Operations Rolls-Royce Ltd
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Summary

This paper describes the first work undertaken to see the flows of oil, kerosene, water or any other hydrogenous fluid within a steel casing. In the specific case described, the performance and movement of the oil in the scavenge system of the Rolls-Royce Gem helicopter gas turbine was clearly seen with the engine operating at a range of test conditions.

The work was conducted using cold neutrons from the DIDO nuclear reactor at AERE, Harwell, England, and this was the first time that such work has been attempted. The experiment was a complete success and provided answers to developmental problems in the oil system.

In the paper, the preliminary work on the ‘Herald’ reactor at AWRE, Aldermaston, leading to this breakthrough in technology is also described.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 86 , Issue 851 , January 1982 , pp. 23 - 28
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 1982 

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