Assessment of Finite Rate Chemistry Large Eddy Simulation Combustion Models

Effect of the Inclination Angle on Premixed Flame Dynamics in Half-Open Ducts

The propagation of premix methane/air flames in long half-open ducts with different inclination angles θ between the sidewall and the horizon was numerically investigated using the laminar model. The numerical result was compared with the experimental and theoretical ones to validate the numerical model. The results show that the numerical results are in good agreement with them. The investigation provides the basic understanding of the effects on changing the shape of the ducts to promote the premixed flame combustion. For methane/air, the position where the flame front begins to concave is pushed back with the increase in angle θ. The so-called "tulip" flame even disappeared, if the angle θ is bigger than one certain value. Moreover, the flame propagation speed and pressure are enhanced as the angle θ increases. In addition, the numerical simulation indicates that the burning gas creates an eddy near the tip of the flame, altering the flow field and causing the tulip flame to appear. However, with the angle θ increased, the flame propagation is restrained by the change in sidewalls, resulting in the different flow patterns to suppress the formation of tulip flames and promote flame combustion.

Prediction of Combustion and Heat Release Rates in Non-Premixed Syngas Jet Flames Using Finite-Rate Scale Similarity Based Combustion Models

Generating energy from combustion is prone to pollutant formation. In energy systems working under non-premixed combustion mode, rapid mixing is required to increase the heat release rates. However, local extinction and re-ignition may occur, resulting from strong turbulence–chemistry interaction, especially when rates of mixing exceed combustion rates, causing harmful emissions and flame instability. Since the physical mechanisms for such processes are not well understood, there are not yet combustion models in large eddy simulation (LES) context capable of accurately predicting them. In the present study, finite-rate scale similarity (SS) combustion models were applied to evaluate both heat release and combustion rates. The performance of three SS models was a priori assessed based on the direct numerical simulation of a temporally evolving syngas jet flame experiencing high level of local extinction and re-ignition. The results show that SS models following the Bardina’s “grid filtering” approach (A and B) have lower errors than the model based on the Germano’s “test filtering” approach (C), in terms of mean, root mean square (RMS), and local errors. In mean, both Bardina’s based models capture well the filtered combustion and heat release rates. Locally, Model A captures better major species, while Model B retrieves radicals more accurately.