CFD Modelling of Combustion and NOX Production in a Propulsion Duct with Aspect Ratio Effects

Beg, Osman; Morand, Theo; Beg, Tasveer; Kuharat, Sireetorn; Vasu, B; Leonard, Henry; Burby, Martin

Abstract

Combustion simulation is fundamental to numerous propulsion systems including gas turbine engines, chemical rocket propulsion etc. It is a complex area involving viscous fluid dynamics, heat transfer, combustion chemistry and flame dynamics. In the present work we investigate the influence of aspect ratio and inlet methane velocity on static temperature, pressure, vorticity, species volume fraction for turbulent combustion in a 2-D channel as a model of a propulsion duct system. The novelties are the inclusion of aspect ratio, NOX and full visualization with appropriate stages of the simulation included. Appropriate stochiometric relations are adopted and mass fractions for water, carbon dioxide, oxygen (oxidiser) and methane (fuel) presented in addition to pollutant (NOX) distributions. ANSYS FLUENT CFD software is used. A k-epsilon turbulence model is deployed. Mesh independence is included. Extensive modifications in transport characteristics (temperature, pressure, vorticity, mass fraction) are identified with a change in geometry and inlet methane velocity with temperatures exceeding 2000K. A strong link in pollutant production to duct length is identified.

• Publication Date: 2024
• Deposit Date: Oct 18, 2024
• Pages: 188-220
• Edition: 1st
• Book Title: Eco-Materials and Green Energy for a Sustainable Future
• Chapter Number: 9
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1201/9781003473749-11
• Contract Date: Oct 14, 2024