Gas Turbine Brayton Thermodynamic Cycle

Mechanical Engineering

How It Works

The Brayton thermodynamic cycle models the open or closed continuous power cycle of gas turbine engines. The ideal cycle consists of four reversible internal processes: isentropic compression of air (1→2), constant-pressure (isobaric) heat addition in the combustion burner (2→3), isentropic expansion through the turbine extracting mechanical power (3→4), and isobaric heat rejection (4→1). Cycle thermal efficiency depends solely on pressure ratio.

Governing Equation
η_th = 1 - (1 / r_p^((γ-1)/γ)) , W_net = c_p · ((T₃ - T₄) - (T₂ - T₁)) , r_p = P₂ / P₁