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The combustion system developed for the General Motors GT-309 regenerative gas turbine is used to illustrate pertinent structural, performance, and exhaust emission considerations when designing for a vehicular gas turbine application. The development of each major component and the performance of the combustion system as a whole are reviewed. The satisfactory performance and durability potential of the GT-309 engine combustion system have been demonstrated by extensive operation in a component test facility and in several test cell and vehicle installed engines. Exhaust emissions of unburned hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide are minimal and are of no concern from an air pollution standpoint. No objectionable exhaust smoking and odor are produced.

Studies were conducted using spark-ignited reciprocating engines to evaluate ammonia as an alternate fuel for certain military applications. Conventional engines were found to perform poorly on ammonia. Several practical methods for improving engine performance while burning ammonia are described which include increased spark energy, increased compression ratio, engine supercharging, and hydrogen addition to the fuel. Dissociation of ammonia was investigated as a practical means for supplying hydrogen to an engine. The study indicates that satisfactory engine performance can be obtained while burning ammonia. Auxiliary equipment and controls necessary for vehicular use will require development.