Research Projects:
- Flame Shape and Flow Topologies in an Annular Swirling Flow using Large Eddy Simulation:
The project aims at studying variety of different flame configurations and heat release distributions with their associated flow fields that can exist in high swirl, annular flows using large eddy simulation. These different configurations arise because multiple flame stabilization locations are present, associated with the inner and outer shear layers of the annulus, and the stagnation point of the vortex breakdown region. Each of these different configurations, in turn, has different thermoacoustic sensitivities and inuences on combustor emissions, nozzle lifetime, and liner heating. The results will help understand the sensitivity of flame configurations to geometric (such as centerbody size and shape, combustor diameter, exhaust contraction) and operational (e.g., bulkhead temperature, preheat temperature, fuel/air ratio) parameters. Numerical results will also validate the experimental results obtained using high speed PIV, OH-PLIF and luminosity imaging.