Large Eddy Simulation of a Stagnation Point Reverse Flow Combustor

Abstract

The complex unsteady behavior of a stagnation point reverse flow combustor (SPRF) is investigated numerically with large eddy simulation (LES) approach using an open source flow solver OpenFOAM. The SPRF combustor has a unique design where inflow and outflow ports are located in the same plane. This feature promotes stable and efficient combustion through internal gas recirculation, and also reveals a complex flow field inside the combustor. Instantaneous flow features, statistical behavior of the turbulent flow, the effect of grid resolution and energy spectrum are evaluated to study the capability of the LES approach for this combustor. The non-reacting cold flow results show overall very good agreement with experimental data, giving confidence that LES with k-equation subgrid model could be a very powerful tool for resolving such complex flow dynamics. Further analyses are extended for reacting cases to examine turbulence combustion interaction. The interaction of the flame with turbulent structures clarified the intense internal gas recirculation mechanism.

Keywords

• Large eddy simulation
• T urbulent combustion
• Stagnation point r everse flow combustor
• OpenFOAM