What type of combustion process is typically used in gas turbine engines?

Gas turbine engines typically utilize continuous flow combustion. This process is characterized by a constant influx of air and fuel, allowing for a steady and uninterrupted combustion reaction. In this context, the gas turbine engine draws in air, compresses it, mixes it with fuel, and ignites the mixture as it enters the combustion chamber. As the combustion occurs, the high-temperature gases expand and exit through the turbine, providing the necessary thrust or mechanical power.

Continuous flow combustion maximizes efficiency by maintaining a stable flame and energy production. This method ensures that the engine runs smoothly without interruptions, leading to optimal performance in various operating conditions. Additionally, the continuous nature of combustion helps to sustain high thrust levels, which is essential for jet propulsion applications found in aviation and heavy machinery.

In contrast, batch combustion would involve burning a discrete amount of fuel and oxidizer in a single cycle, which is not suitable for gas turbines that require ongoing power generation. Pulsed combustion, while effective in some applications, is too erratic for the consistent and reliable operation required by gas turbines. Controlled combustion does not specifically define the continuous aspect central to gas turbine operations, making continuous flow combustion the most accurate descriptor for this process in gas turbine engines.