A Numerical Study on Mixing of Transverse Injection in Supersonic Combustor

Abstract

A numerical study on mixing of hydrogen injected transversely into a supersonic air stream has been performed by solving Two-Dimensional full Navier-Stokes equations. An explicit Harten-Yee Non-MUSCL Modified-flux-type TVD scheme has been used to solve the system of equations, and a zero-equation algebraic turbulence model to calculate the eddy viscosity coefficient. The main objectives of this study are to increase the mixing and combustion efficiencies, and the flame holding capability of a supersonic combustor. The performance of combustor has been investigated by varying the distance of injector position from left boundary keeping constant the backward-facing step height and other calculation parameters. The results show that the configuration for small distance of injector position has high mixing efficiency but the upstream recirculation can not be evolved properly which is an important factor for flame holding capability. On the other hand, the configuration for very long distance has lower mixing efficiency due to lower gradient of hydrogen mass concentration on the top of injector caused by the expansion of side jet in both upstream and downstream of injector. For moderate distance of injector position, large and elongated upstream recirculation can evolve which might be activated as a good flame holder.