Abstract: A short reversal flow annular combustor has been tested with three different flame liner heads.The gas parameters of exit section are detected by a turning measuring system,and data are processed by a PC 8001 microcomputer.Experimental results of efficiency,temperature field of exit section,flame stabilization and pressure loss are presented.The effect of a swirler on the short reversal flow annular combustor is illustrated by comparison and analysis.The experimental study shows that it is suitable to install a swirler on the flame liner head in a short reversal flow annular combustor.This method can improve the combustor performance greatly.However,it should be noted that when a swirler is installed ,its direction angle ought not to be too big,other wise,as a result,carbon deposit will emerge,the swirler will give a negative effect on the combustor.