Numerical simulation of combustor temperature performance of a high-temperature high-speed heat-airflow simulation system

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to understand the outlet temperature distribution of the combustor of a high-temperature, high-speed heat-airflow simulation system.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses numerical simulation to study the temperature distribution of the combustor of a high-temperature, high-speed heat-airflow simulation system. First, the geometrical model of the combustor and the combustion model of the fuel are established. Then, the combustion of fuel in the combustor is simulated by using FLUENT under various conditions. Finally, the results are obtained.

Findings

The paper found three conclusions: when the actual fuel–gas ratio is equal to the theoretical fuel–gas ratio, the temperature in the combustor of the high-temperature, high-speed heat-airflow simulation system (HTSAS) can reach its highest and the distribution is the most uniform. Although increases in the total temperature of the inlet air can increase the highest temperature in the combustor of the HTSAS, the average temperature of the combustor outlet will decrease. At the same time, it will lead to an uneven temperature distribution of the combustor outlet. When the spray angle of the kerosene droplet is at 30 degrees, the outlet temperature field of the combustor is more uniform.

Originality/value

The paper presents a method to analyze the combustion performance of fuel and the gas temperature distribution in the combustor. The results will lay the foundation for the gas temperature control of a combustor.

Citation

Cai, C., Fan, L. and Wu, B. (2016), "Numerical simulation of combustor temperature performance of a high-temperature high-speed heat-airflow simulation system", World Journal of Engineering, Vol. 13 No. 5, pp. 422-431. https://doi.org/10.1108/WJE-08-2016-0049