Benchmark Experimental Database for Multiphase Combustion Model Input and Validation: Characterization of the Inlet Combustion Air

Published

July 1, 1999

Author(s)

J F. Widmann, S R. Charagundla, Cary Presser

Abstract

The air flow through a vane-cascade swirl generator is examined both experimentally and numerically to characterize the inlet combustion air flow entering a reference spray combustion facility at NIST. A three-dimensional model is used to simulate the aerodynamics in the 12-vane cascade swirl generator that imparts the desired degree of angular momentum to the air in annulus leading into the reactor. A numerical simulation using the Renormalization Group method (RNG) kappa-eplison} turbulence model results in a velocity profile consistent with experimental measurements, and correctly predicts a recirculation zone that is experimentally observed at the exit of the annular passage. The standard (kappa-eplison} turbulence model does not compare as well with the experimental data and fails to predict the recirculation zone at the exit. This work is part of a larger project at NIST in which the benchmark data is collected for input and validation of multiphase combustion models, and the results presented provide a well-characterized inlet condition for the spray combustion reactor. The good agreement between the experimental data and the simulation with the RNG kappa-eplison} turbulence model provides further validation for this model in confined, annular flows.

Citation

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR) - 6370

Report Number

6370

NIST Pub Series

NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Keywords

CFD, fluid mechanics, numerical analysis, pitot probe, simulation, swirl, turbulence

Citation

Widmann, J. , Charagundla, S. and Presser, C. (1999), Benchmark Experimental Database for Multiphase Combustion Model Input and Validation: Characterization of the Inlet Combustion Air, NIST Interagency/Internal Report (NISTIR), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD (Accessed July 17, 2024)