Large eddy simulation analysis of non-reacting sprays inside a high-g combustor

Inter-turbine burners are useful devices for increasing engine power. To reduce the size of these combustion devices, ultra-compact combustor (UCC) concepts are necessary. One such UCC concept is the centrifugal-force based high-g combustor design. Here, a model ultra-compact combustor (UCC) with fuel spray injection is simulated using large eddy simulation (LES) and Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) methodologies to understand mixing and spray dispersion inside centrifugal-based combustion systems. Both non-evaporating and evaporating droplet simulations were carried, as well as the tracking of a passive scalar, to explore this multiphase system. Simulation results show that mixing of fuel and oxidizer is based on a jet-in-crossflow system, with the fuel jet issuing into a circulating oxidizer flow stream. It is seen that a a high velocity vortex-like ring develops in the inner core of the combustor, which has enough momentum to obstruct the path of combustion products. There is minimal fuel droplet and vapor segregation inside the combustor and enhanced turbulent mixing is seen at mid-radius.