Transient Combustion Dynamics.

Abstract

Characteristics of pressure fluctuations due to the instability of the shear layer at the sudden expansion step of a dump combustor are being studied experimentally. Results show that the disturbances induced by the step are centered around a characteristic frequency which is a function of the shape of the chamber. The center frequency appear to be independent of either the step height of the free stream velocity within the range of the experimental variables. The step height and the free-stream velocity affect only the amplitude and not the frequency of the disturbance. Closely spaced frequencies around the center frequency lead to a low frequency 'beating' phenomenon which is clearly seen on a oscilloscope. Axisymmetric and two-dimensional chambers have different characteristic center frequencies and beat frequency distributions, This coherent beating appears to be responsible for the low frequency combustion instability in dump combustors. Work is continuing in order to understand the nature of the coherent beating and its influence on the combustor. A feedback control is to be used to destroy the coherence of the critical 'beating' and minimize the effect of combustion instability.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 26, 1984
Accession Number
ADA154430

Entities

People

  • M. Gerstein
  • P. R. Choudhury

Organizations

  • University of Southern California

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amplitude
  • Axisymmetric
  • Chambers
  • Classification
  • Combustion
  • Combustion Chambers
  • Combustors
  • Control Systems
  • Dynamics
  • Feedback
  • Flow
  • Free Stream
  • Geometry
  • Ignition
  • Ignition Lag
  • Turbulent Mixing
  • Two Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.
  • Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Dynamics.
  • Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Technology.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Hall-Effect Thruster