Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


12793.pdf (23.07 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Experimental Development of a Lean Direct Injection Combustor Utilizing High-Low Swirl Intensity Combinations

Endicott, Derick S
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1416231599

Abstract Details

2014, MS, University of Cincinnati, Engineering and Applied Science: Aerospace Engineering.
The focus of this research is to investigate the isothermal aerodynamic behavior of three LDI configurations utilizing a 3 x 3 array of radial-radial swirlers. Configurations consisted of varying combinations of two swirlers featuring high and low swirl intensity. Two-dimensional velocity data is presented from the measurement of 37 planes spanning the width of the LDI array. An experimental aerodynamic investigation has been carried out on a preliminary Lean Direct Injection (LDI) combustor to discern the effects on the flow-field resulting from interactions between low and high-swirl counter-rotating radial-radial air swirlers in a 9-swirler array. Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) was used to take velocity field measurements and to study the inter-swirler interactions. The goal of this work is to improve upon the stability limits of current LDI designs while maintaining the current emissions capabilities established by existing LDI designs. The test setup consisted of 9 swirlers arranged in a 3 x 3 pattern with a spacing of 1 inch between the swirler centers. A square plexiglass chamber with an inner dimension of 4.5 x 4.5 inch was used for flow field confinement. A high-speed PIV system was used to take 2D velocity measurement in a vertical plane parallel to the swirler axes. Measurements were conducted at a total of 37 planes spanning the width of the enclosure in an attempt to completely describe the flow field. Three test cases were studied which utilized a combination of a low and high Swirl Number swirlers: the baseline case utilized 9 low swirl (SN about 0.6) swirlers, the second case used one high swirl (SN about 1.0) swirler in the center of the array, and the third case used 3 high swirl swirlers in a row within the array. The flow field developed by the three experimental cases differed significantly and inter-swirler interaction proved significant and highly complex. The velocity fields developed from swirlers in an array varied from that of the individual swirler, and as such, it should not be expected that the array have the same characteristics of the individual swirler. Placing a high-swirl swirler in a low-swirl array increased swirler interaction and led to substantial favorable changes in velocity fields and the recirculation zones developed downstream of each swirler in comparison to the baseline configuration including the development of a large CTRZ with weakened intensity for increased flame anchoring potential. The aerodynamic data was used to extrapolate implications on combustion performance and recommendations for the LDI design have been developed to move forward in the design process. Careful consideration needs to be given to the aerodynamic interaction between swirlers as it can have substantial impact on the delicate balance between combustor performance, stability and emissions.
San-Mou Jeng, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Jongguen Lee, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Samir Tambe, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
105 p.
Aerospace Materials
lean; direct; injection; swirler; combustor; NOx

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Endicott, D. S. (2014). Experimental Development of a Lean Direct Injection Combustor Utilizing High-Low Swirl Intensity Combinations [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1416231599

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Endicott, Derick. Experimental Development of a Lean Direct Injection Combustor Utilizing High-Low Swirl Intensity Combinations. 2014. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1416231599.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Endicott, Derick. "Experimental Development of a Lean Direct Injection Combustor Utilizing High-Low Swirl Intensity Combinations." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1416231599

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1416231599
429
© 2014, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.