Computational Study of Mean Flow and Turbulence Structure in Inflow System of a Swirl Combustor

Abstract

Flow structure in the annular section of the inlet system of a tuboannular swirl combustor with respect to the swirl intensity influence was investigated computationally complementary to the recent experimental study by Palm et al. [1]. In addition to the non-swirling case, two different swirling configurations corresponding to the swirl numbers S = 0.6 and 1.0 were considered. The simulations were performed by using Large Eddy Simulation (LES) method and a two-layer model scheme hybridizing a near-wall k —ε RANS (Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes) model covering the wall layer and LES method in the outer layer employing Smagorinsky model. Special attention was devoted to the position of the interface. An in-depth analysis of the mean velocity and turbulence fields reveals an increasingly asymmetric axial velocity profile in the annular pipe and an appropriately shaped profile of the Reynolds stress components corresponding to the enhanced turbulence production in the outer part of the concentric annulus. The present study also aimes at generation of reliable swirling inflow data for future LES of the flow in the combustor flue.