This section previews the structure and content of this book and provides suggestions for how readers of different backgrounds can use it most profitably. The bulk of Chapter 1 is dedicated to reviewing the basic equations to be used in this text. The remainder of the book is divided into three main sections: Chapters 2–6, 7–9, and 10–12. The first section, Chapters 2–6, discusses flow disturbances in combustors. Chapter 2 details how different types of disturbances arise and propagate in inhomogeneous, reacting combustor environments. By introducing the decomposition of flow disturbances into acoustic, vortical, and entropy disturbances, this chapter sets the stage for Chapters 3–6, which delve into the dynamics of disturbances in inhomogeneous environments in more detail. Specifically, Chapters 3 and 4 focus on the evolution of vortical disturbances in combustor environments. Chapter 3 provides a general overview of hydrodynamic stability theory and details some general features controlling the conditions under which flows are unstable. Chapter 4 then details specific canonical flow configurations that are particularly relevant to combustor environments, such as shear layers, wakes, and swirling jets. This chapter also discusses effects of flow inhomogeneity and acoustic forcing effects on flow instabilities.

Chapters 5 and 6 treat acoustic wave propagation in combustor environments. Chapter 5 provides a general introduction to acoustic wave propagation, boundary conditions, and natural acoustic modes. Chapter 6 then provides additional treatment of the effects of heat release, mean flow, and complex geometries on sound waves. This chapter also includes an extensive discussion of thermoacoustic instabilities.