High Gravity (g) Combustion
Abstract
Ultra-short combustors to minimize residence time, with special flame-holding mechanisms to cope with increased through-velocities are likely in the future. The Ultra-Compact Combustor (UCC), a novel design based on trapped-vortex combustor (TVC) work that uses high swirl in a circumferential cavity to enhance reaction rates via high cavity g-loading on the order of 3000 g's. Increase in reaction rates translates to a reduced combustor volume. Three combustor geometric features were varied during experiments (1) high-g cavity flame-holding method, (2) high-g cavity to main airflow transport method, and (3) fuel injection method. Results have shown promise for advanced engine applications. Lean blowout fuel-air ratio limits at 25-50% the value of current systems were demonstrated. Combustion efficiency was measured over a wide range of UCC operating conditions. This data begins to build the design space required for future engine designs that may use these novel, compact, high-g combustion systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA449915
Entities
People
- Joseph Zelina
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory