Combustion chamber with adjustable exit area and engine
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202610808728.X
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-06-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-01
AI Technical Summary
[0007]本发明所要解决的技术问题是现有燃烧室出口面积固定、停留时间不可调、压降分布难以优化以及不同工况适应性不足
[0009]本发明的有益效果是:本发明的出口面积可调的燃烧室,通过在燃烧室本体尾段设置套筒、拉杆和调节板,形成出口面积可调式结构,实现燃烧室出口有效流通面积的连续可调,无需更换整套尾段结构即可完成不同出口面积的实验对比,避免了多套燃烧室试验件的重复加工,大幅缩短试验准备周期,并降低了加工成本。
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Figure CN122670451A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of combustion technology for aero engines and gas turbines, and specifically to a combustion chamber and engine with adjustable outlet area. Background Technology
[0002] The combustion chamber is a key component in aero-engines and gas turbines. Its main function is to thoroughly mix and stably combust the high-pressure air provided by the compressor with fuel, releasing heat energy to drive the turbine. The internal flow structure of the combustion chamber is complex, including high-speed mainstream regions, recirculation zones, shear layers, and mixing regions. Performance indicators such as combustion efficiency, stability, emission levels, and combustion instability are all closely related to the internal flow field structure, pressure drop distribution, and residence time of the gas in the combustion zone. Especially in staged swirl combustors, the strong rotating airflow generated by the swirlers forms a central recirculation zone inside the combustion chamber, providing an anchoring position for the flame. At the same time, the geometry of the tail section exit has a significant impact on the overall flow field distribution. Therefore, the combustion chamber outlet structure not only serves the function of exhaust gas discharge but also directly participates in the coupling process of internal flow and combustion within the combustion chamber.
[0003] In traditional combustor design, the outlet area is typically fixed, and its geometry remains unchanged once determined during the design phase. While a fixed outlet area can achieve optimal performance under a single design condition, the internal flow state can change significantly when the combustor operates under different loads, equivalence ratios, or intake conditions. A fixed outlet area leads to an inability to adjust the combustor pressure drop ratio, control over residence time, and optimization of the recirculation zone structure, thus affecting combustion efficiency and stability margin. Under low load or lean fuel conditions, insufficient residence time may result in flame instability or even flameout; while under high load conditions, an excessively small outlet area may cause excessive pressure drop, increased drag loss, or even adverse combustion oscillations. Therefore, how to rationally adjust the combustor outlet flow area under different operating conditions has become an important research direction for improving the adaptability of combustors.
[0004] On the other hand, in experimental studies of combustion mechanisms, researchers often aim to control a key parameter as a single variable without altering the combustion chamber head structure (such as the swirler structure, fuel injection method, and gas supply path) to analyze its impact on combustion performance. However, existing combustion chamber outlet structures are mostly integrally welded or fixedly fabricated, making them difficult to adjust once designed. Changing the outlet area often requires replacing the entire tail section assembly or re-fabricating the flame tube, increasing experimental costs, reducing efficiency, and making it difficult to ensure consistency across experiments. Especially when studying the effects of residence time on combustion efficiency, pollutant emissions, and combustion stability, the lack of a simple, continuously adjustable, and easily repeatable outlet area adjustment device has become a technical bottleneck in experimental research.
[0005] Furthermore, the combustion chamber outlet area is closely related to the internal pressure drop distribution. Pressure drop not only affects combustion stability but also the matching relationship with the compressor and turbine. In thermoacoustic instability studies, the outlet geometric boundary conditions alter the acoustic impedance characteristics of the combustion chamber, thus affecting the coupling behavior between pressure waves and heat release. Fixed outlet area structures cannot actively adjust these coupling relationships and are difficult to conduct systematic parameter scanning studies on experimental platforms. Therefore, developing a combustion chamber structure that is simple in structure, easy to adjust, and capable of adjusting the outlet area while ensuring airtightness and structural strength is of great significance for combustion mechanism research and combustion chamber performance optimization.
[0006] Currently, most variable geometry structures are applied to intake guides or cyclone structure adjustments, while there are few reports on mechanically adjustable structures for the combustion chamber tail section outlet area. Existing structures often employ complex multi-link or hydraulic drive systems, which are not only structurally complex and difficult to manufacture, but also unsuitable for long-term stable operation under high-temperature conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a combustion chamber outlet area adjustable structure with a simple structure, clear mechanical transmission, and reliable operation under high-temperature conditions. This structure, driven by an external adjustment mechanism, enables continuous adjustment of the effective flow area at the combustion chamber outlet. Furthermore, while maintaining the original combustion head structure, it allows for controllable changes in pressure drop, backflow intensity, and effective residence time, thereby meeting the needs of multi-condition experimental research and performance optimization. Summary of the Invention
[0007] The technical problem this invention aims to solve is that existing combustion chambers have fixed outlet areas, non-adjustable residence times, difficulty in optimizing pressure drop distribution, and insufficient adaptability to different operating conditions. To address this problem, this invention provides a combustion chamber and engine with adjustable outlet areas.
[0008] The technical solution of the present invention to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: The present invention provides a combustion chamber with an adjustable outlet area, including a combustion chamber body, a sleeve, a pull rod, and an adjusting plate. The sleeve is installed through and sealed on the rear side wall of the combustion chamber body. The pull rod is slidably sleeved in the sleeve, with both ends extending from the ends of the sleeve by a predetermined length. One end of the pull rod located inside the combustion chamber body is fixedly connected to the adjusting plate. The adjusting plate is arranged obliquely along the fluid flow direction inside the combustion chamber body and forms a constricted structure with the side wall of the combustion chamber body. One end of the pull rod located outside the combustion chamber body is connected to a power unit and can move axially along the sleeve under the drive of the power unit, thereby driving the adjusting plate to move to increase or decrease the outlet area of the combustion chamber body.
[0009] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The combustion chamber with adjustable outlet area of the present invention forms an adjustable outlet area structure by setting a sleeve, a tie rod and an adjusting plate at the tail section of the combustion chamber body, so as to realize the continuous adjustment of the effective flow area of the combustion chamber outlet. Experimental comparison of different outlet areas can be completed without replacing the entire tail section structure, avoiding the repeated processing of multiple sets of combustion chamber test pieces, greatly shortening the test preparation cycle and reducing processing costs.
[0010] Based on the above technical solution, the present invention can be further improved as follows.
[0011] Furthermore, the adjustment plate is a flat plate structure or an arc-shaped plate structure.
[0012] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that it allows for the adjustment of demand based on the export area, and the setting of adjustment plates with different shapes and structures.
[0013] Furthermore, the power unit includes a hydraulic power mechanism.
[0014] Furthermore, the combustion chamber body includes a diffuser, a swirler, a cap, a combustion chamber casing, and a flame tube. The combustion chamber casing is installed at the large-mouth end of the diffuser. The end of the combustion chamber casing facing away from the diffuser is an open structure and serves as the outlet of the combustion chamber body. The cap and the flame tube are both installed inside the combustion chamber casing. The cap is arranged near the large-mouth end of the diffuser. The end of the cap facing away from the diffuser is fixedly connected to the flame tube. The swirler is fixed at the connection between the cap and the flame tube. A rectification and swirling air supply channel is formed between the cap and the flame tube and the combustion chamber casing. A main combustion channel is formed inside the flame tube. An adjustment hole and a mixing groove are provided on the flame tube. The mixing groove connects the rectification and swirling air supply channel and the main combustion channel. The sleeve is installed through and sealed on the combustion chamber casing. One end of the sleeve is located in the rectification and swirl air supply channel. One end of the pull rod passes through the adjustment hole and is located in the main combustion channel. The adjustment plate passes through the mixing tank. A part of the adjustment plate is located in the rectification and swirl air supply channel, and the other part of the adjustment plate is located in the main combustion channel. The part of the adjustment plate located in the main combustion channel is fixedly connected to one end of the pull rod.
[0015] The advantages of adopting the above-mentioned further scheme are as follows: the adjustment plate is installed in the mixing tank without affecting the original structure of the combustion chamber. Only holes need to be opened on the combustion chamber casing and the flame tube. The tie rod enters the combustion chamber through the sleeve, and the sleeve guides and supports the tie rod to ensure the stability and reliability of the adjustment process. At the same time, a sealing structure can be set at the connection between the sleeve and the combustion chamber casing to ensure airtightness. The adjustable outlet area structure is partially embedded in the mixing tank. During the movement, the outlet area can be changed without destroying the tail section mixing function. The flow field transition is smooth during the adjustment process, thereby achieving effective control of pressure drop, velocity distribution and backflow intensity.
[0016] Furthermore, the mixing groove is an elongated slot arranged perpendicular to the axial direction of the main combustion channel, and the adjusting plate is inclinedly inserted into the mixing groove.
[0017] Furthermore, a movable gap is reserved between the pull rod and the wall of the adjustment hole.
[0018] The beneficial effect of adopting the above-mentioned further solution is that it does not affect the normal reciprocating motion of the tie rod along the sleeve axis.
[0019] Furthermore, the mixing tank is located at the middle position of the flame tube axial direction.
[0020] Furthermore, the angle between the adjusting plate and the central axis of the combustion chamber body is 15°~75°.
[0021] Furthermore, a limiting protrusion is provided on the outer peripheral wall of one end of the sleeve located inside the combustion chamber body.
[0022] The present invention also provides an engine, including a combustion chamber with an adjustable outlet area as described above, and an engine body, wherein the combustion chamber with an adjustable outlet area is mounted on the engine body.
[0023] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: An engine based on this invention can adjust the effective residence time of the combustion chamber by changing the combustion chamber outlet area. This enhances the recirculation zone intensity and improves combustion stability margin under low load or lean fuel conditions; and increases the outlet area and reduces pressure drop loss under high load conditions, achieving adaptable operation under multiple conditions. This combustion chamber structure introduces the concept of variable geometry into the tail section of the combustion chamber, enabling the combustion chamber to have adjustable flow field and controllable residence time, which is beneficial for combustion mechanism research, combustion stability optimization, and emission performance improvement. Attached Figure Description
[0024] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the sleeve, tie rod, and adjusting plate of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the combustion chamber with adjustable outlet area according to the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the combustion chamber with adjustable outlet area according to the present invention.
[0025] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows: 1. Sleeve; 11. Tie rod; 12. Adjusting plate; 13. Limiting protrusion ring; 2. Diffuser; 3. Hydrocyclone; 4. Cap; 5. Combustion chamber casing; 51. Rectifying and swirl-flow air supply passage; 6. Flame tube; 61. Main combustion channel; 62. Mixing tank; 63. Adjustment hole. Detailed Implementation
[0026] The principles and features of the present invention are described below. The examples given are only for explaining the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0027] Example 1 like Figures 1-3 As shown, this embodiment of a combustion chamber with adjustable outlet area includes a combustion chamber body, a sleeve 1, a pull rod 11, and an adjusting plate 12. The sleeve 1 is installed through and sealed on the rear side wall of the combustion chamber body. The pull rod 11 is slidably sleeved inside the sleeve 1, with both ends extending a predetermined length from both ends of the sleeve 1. One end of the pull rod 11 located inside the combustion chamber body is fixedly connected to the adjusting plate 12. The adjusting plate 12 is arranged obliquely along the fluid flow direction inside the combustion chamber body and forms a constricted structure with the side wall of the combustion chamber body. The other end of the pull rod 11 located outside the combustion chamber body is connected to a power unit and can move axially along the sleeve 1 under the drive of the power unit, thereby driving the adjusting plate 12 to move to increase or decrease the outlet area of the combustion chamber body.
[0028] In this embodiment, the pull rod 11 and the adjusting plate 12 can be fixed by threaded connection or welding.
[0029] In one optional embodiment, the adjusting plate 12 is a flat plate structure or an arc-shaped plate structure. Adjusting plates of different shapes and structures can be set according to the needs of adjusting the outlet area.
[0030] Specifically, the power unit includes a hydraulic power mechanism.
[0031] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the combustion chamber body includes a diffuser 2, a swirler 3, a cap 4, a combustion chamber casing 5, and a flame tube 6. The combustion chamber casing 5 is installed at the large-mouth end of the diffuser 2. The end of the combustion chamber casing 5 facing away from the diffuser 2 is an open structure and serves as the outlet of the combustion chamber body. The cap 4 and the flame tube 6 are both installed inside the combustion chamber casing 5. The cap 4 is arranged adjacent to the large-mouth end of the diffuser 2. The end of the cap 4 facing away from the diffuser 2 is fixedly connected to the flame tube 6. The swirler 3 is fixed at the connection between the cap 4 and the flame tube 6. A rectification and swirling air supply channel 51 is formed between the cap 4, the flame tube 6, and the combustion chamber casing 5. The flame tube 6 has an internal shape... The main combustion channel 61 is formed. The flame tube 6 is provided with an adjustment hole 63 and a mixing groove 62. The mixing groove 62 connects the rectification and swirl air supply channel 51 and the main combustion channel 61. The sleeve 1 is installed through and sealed on the combustion chamber casing 5. One end of the sleeve 1 is located in the rectification and swirl air supply channel 51. One end of the pull rod 11 passes through the adjustment hole 63 and is located in the main combustion channel 61. The adjustment plate 12 passes through the mixing groove 62. A part of the adjustment plate 12 is located in the rectification and swirl air supply channel 51, and the other part of the adjustment plate 12 is located in the main combustion channel 61. The part of the adjustment plate 12 located in the main combustion channel 61 is fixedly connected to one end of the pull rod 11. The regulating plate is installed in the mixing tank without affecting the original structure of the combustion chamber. Only holes need to be made in the combustion chamber casing and the flame tube. The tie rod enters the combustion chamber through the sleeve, which guides and supports the tie rod to ensure a stable and reliable adjustment process. At the same time, a sealing structure can be set at the connection between the sleeve and the combustion chamber casing to ensure airtightness. The adjustable outlet area structure is partially embedded in the mixing tank. During the movement, the outlet area can be changed without destroying the tail section mixing function. The flow field transition is smooth during the adjustment process, thereby achieving effective control of pressure drop, velocity distribution and backflow intensity.
[0032] like Figure 2As shown, specifically, the mixing groove 62 is an elongated slot arranged perpendicular to the axial direction of the main combustion channel 61, and the adjusting plate 12 is inclinedly inserted into the mixing groove 62.
[0033] like Figure 2 As shown, preferably, a movable gap is reserved between the pull rod 11 and the wall of the adjusting hole 63. This does not affect the normal reciprocating motion of the pull rod along the sleeve axis.
[0034] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, optionally, the mixing tank 62 is located at the middle position of the axial direction of the flame tube 6.
[0035] Optionally, the angle between the adjusting plate 12 and the central axis of the combustion chamber body is 15°~75°.
[0036] like Figure 1 As shown, a limiting protrusion 13 is provided on the outer peripheral side wall of one end of the sleeve 1 located inside the combustion chamber body.
[0037] In this embodiment, a mixing groove is provided at the tail end of the combustor body. A sleeve is fixedly installed on the outside of the combustor casing. The sleeve has an axial guide channel inside and sleeve holes at both ends. The tie rod enters the interior of the combustor through the sleeve holes and connects to the adjusting plate. The adjusting plate is located in the outlet area of the tail end of the combustor and is partially embedded in the mixing groove. Driven by the tie rod, it moves axially or vertically, thereby changing the effective flow area of the tail end of the combustor. The mixing groove provides movement space for the adjusting plate and ensures the stability of the mixing function of the tail end flow field. The sleeve and sleeve holes are used to support, guide, and seal the tie rod, ensuring the stability and airtightness of the adjustment process. By adjusting the position of the adjusting plate, the pressure drop at the combustor outlet, the velocity distribution in the tail end, and the structure of the recirculation zone can be changed, thereby adjusting the effective residence time of the combustor, improving combustion stability, and making it suitable for experimental research on combustion performance under different operating conditions. This structure has the advantages of simple structure, convenient adjustment, continuous control, and easy processing and assembly, and is suitable for combustion mechanism research and experimental platforms for combustors under variable operating conditions. A high-temperature resistant sealing structure can be installed at the sleeve hole for sealing connection with the tie rod to ensure the airtightness of the combustion chamber.
[0038] The adjustable outlet area combustion chamber of this embodiment achieves a continuously adjustable effective flow area at the combustion chamber outlet by incorporating a sleeve, tie rod, and adjusting plate at the tail section of the combustion chamber body. This allows for experimental comparisons of different outlet areas without altering the air supply and fuel injection structure at the combustion chamber head. This avoids the need to replace the entire tail section structure, preventing repetitive processing of multiple combustion chamber test pieces, significantly shortening the test preparation cycle, and reducing processing costs. The tie rod enters the combustion chamber through the sleeve hole, with the sleeve guiding and supporting the rod to ensure stable and reliable adjustment. A sealing structure can be installed at the sleeve hole to ensure airtightness. The adjusting plate is embedded in the mixing tank, allowing for changes in the outlet area during movement without disrupting the tail section's mixing function. The smooth flow transition during adjustment enables effective control of pressure drop, velocity distribution, and backflow intensity. By changing the outlet area, the effective residence time of the combustor can be adjusted. Under low load or lean fuel conditions, the intensity of the recirculation zone can be enhanced, improving combustion stability margin. Under high load conditions, the outlet area can be increased to reduce pressure drop loss, enabling adaptable operation under multiple conditions. This structure introduces the concept of variable geometry into the tail section of the combustor, giving the combustor the ability to adjust the flow field and control the residence time, which is beneficial for combustion mechanism research, combustion stability optimization, and emission performance improvement.
[0039] Example 2 This embodiment provides an engine, including a combustion chamber with an adjustable outlet area as described above, and an engine body, wherein the combustion chamber with an adjustable outlet area is mounted on the engine body.
[0040] One engine in this embodiment can adjust the effective residence time of the combustion chamber by changing the outlet area. This enhances the recirculation zone intensity and improves combustion stability margin under low load or lean fuel conditions; and increases the outlet area to reduce pressure drop under high load conditions, enabling adaptable operation under multiple conditions. This combustion chamber structure introduces the concept of variable geometry into the tail section of the combustion chamber, giving it adjustable flow field and controllable residence time, which is beneficial for combustion mechanism research, combustion stability optimization, and emission performance improvement.
[0041] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "length", "inclination", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", "axial", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.
[0042] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.
[0043] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.
[0044] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.
[0045] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.
[0046] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A combustion chamber with an adjustable outlet area, characterized in that, The device includes a combustion chamber body, a sleeve, a tie rod, and an adjusting plate. The sleeve is installed through and sealed on the rear side wall of the combustion chamber body. The tie rod is slidably sleeved inside the sleeve, with both ends extending a predetermined length from the ends of the sleeve. One end of the tie rod inside the combustion chamber body is fixedly connected to the adjusting plate. The adjusting plate is arranged obliquely along the fluid flow direction inside the combustion chamber body and forms a constricted structure with the side wall of the combustion chamber body. The other end of the tie rod outside the combustion chamber body is connected to a power unit and can move axially along the sleeve under the drive of the power unit, thereby driving the adjusting plate to increase or decrease the outlet area of the combustion chamber body.
2. The combustion chamber with adjustable outlet area according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment plate is a flat plate structure or an arc-shaped plate structure.
3. The combustion chamber with adjustable outlet area according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power unit includes a hydraulic power mechanism.
4. The combustion chamber with adjustable outlet area according to claim 1, characterized in that, The combustion chamber body includes a diffuser, a swirler, a cap, a combustion chamber casing, and a flame tube. The combustion chamber casing is installed at the large-mouth end of the diffuser. The end of the combustion chamber casing facing away from the diffuser is an open structure and serves as the outlet of the combustion chamber body. The cap and the flame tube are both installed inside the combustion chamber casing. The cap is arranged near the large-mouth end of the diffuser. The end of the cap facing away from the diffuser is fixedly connected to the flame tube. The swirler is fixed at the connection between the cap and the flame tube. A rectification and swirling air supply channel is formed between the cap and the flame tube and the combustion chamber casing. A main combustion channel is formed inside the flame tube. An adjustment hole and a mixing groove are provided on the flame tube. The mixing groove connects the rectification and swirling air supply channel and the main combustion channel. The sleeve is installed through and sealed on the combustion chamber casing. One end of the sleeve is located in the rectification and swirl air supply channel. One end of the pull rod passes through the adjustment hole and is located in the main combustion channel. The adjustment plate passes through the mixing tank. A part of the adjustment plate is located in the rectification and swirl air supply channel, and the other part of the adjustment plate is located in the main combustion channel. The part of the adjustment plate located in the main combustion channel is fixedly connected to one end of the pull rod.
5. The combustion chamber with adjustable outlet area according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mixing groove is an elongated slot arranged perpendicular to the axial direction of the main combustion channel, and the adjusting plate is inserted obliquely into the mixing groove.
6. The combustion chamber with adjustable outlet area according to claim 4, characterized in that, A movable gap is reserved between the pull rod and the wall of the adjustment hole.
7. The combustion chamber with adjustable outlet area according to claim 4, characterized in that, The mixing tank is located at the middle position of the flame tube along its axial direction.
8. The combustion chamber with adjustable outlet area according to claim 1, characterized in that, The angle between the adjusting plate and the central axis of the combustion chamber body is 15°~75°.
9. The combustion chamber with adjustable outlet area according to claim 1, characterized in that, A limiting protrusion is provided on the outer peripheral wall of one end of the sleeve located inside the combustion chamber body.
10. An engine, characterized in that, The system includes a combustion chamber with an adjustable outlet area as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, and also includes an engine body, wherein the combustion chamber with an adjustable outlet area is mounted on the engine body.