Simulations of Two-Phase Swirling Flows in Complex Geometries

It is now recognized that efforts to develop “future” advanced gas turbine combustors would rely heavily on the detailed understanding of complex two-phase processes occurring within the combustor. The availability of reliable computer codes that can accurately predict the detailed structure of reacting two-phase flows in complex geometries will be crucial to these efforts.

This research is directed at improving the state-of-the-art of the submodels used for calculating the droplet trajectory and vaporization rate in two-phase turbulent reacting flows in complex geometries relevant to gas turbine combustors.

Improvements in the submodels would focus on more accurate representations of (1) multicomponent nature of gas turbine fuels, (2) high-pressure effects on droplet dynamics and vaporization models, (3) droplet-turbulence interactions, (4) and spray formation and transport phenomena.

In addition, the research would focus on the improved turbulence-combustion interaction models for predicting the turbulent flame structure, liftoff, lean blowout, and emissions of unburnt hydrocarbon and CO.