Abstract: A method of operating a double dome combustor includes channeling compressed airflow through an inner dome for generating inner combustion gases having an inner reference velocity greater than an outer reference velocity of outer combustion gases generated from compressed airflow channeled through an outer dome, and diffusing the outer and inner combustion gases in outer and inner combustion zones. One double dome combustor effective for practicing the method in accordance with the present invention includes outer and inner combustor liners and domes, with the domes having outer and inner carburetors disposed therein, respectively. The inner carburetors are sized for generating inner combustion gases in the inner combustion zone having an inner reference velocity greater than an outer reference velocity of the outer combustion gases generated in the outer combustion zone.

Abstract: A combustor for use in a gas turbine engine is provided with a first wall defining a combustion zone; an outer casing partially defining a cooling plenum about the first wall; a second wall spaced apart from the first wall and defining together therewith a second plenum, the second wall bearing a plurality of perforations for passing fluid from the first plenum in impinging streams upon the first wall; and a plurality of ribs extending between the first and second walls and compartmentalizing the second plenum. The ribs add substantial stiffness to the combustor as well as providing for independently controlled cooling of the substantially isolated compartments formed thereby. The impinging streams provided by the perforations in the second wall substantially increase local fluid velocities and conductive heat transfer.