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Temperature response of turbulent premixed flames to inlet velocity oscillations

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Abstract

Flame–turbulence interactions are at the heart of modern combustion research as they have a major influence on efficiency, stability of operation and pollutant emissions. The problem remains a formidable challenge, and predictive modelling and the implementation of active control measures both rely on further fundamental measurements. Model burners with simple geometry offer an opportunity for the isolation and detailed study of phenomena that take place in real-world combustors, in an environment conducive to the application of advanced laser diagnostic tools. Lean premixed combustion conditions are currently of greatest interest since these are able to provide low NO x and improved increased fuel economy, which in turn leads to lower CO2 emissions. This paper presents an experimental investigation of the response of a bluff-body-stabilised flame to periodic inlet fluctuations under lean premixed turbulent conditions. Inlet velocity fluctuations were imposed acoustically using loudspeakers. Spatially resolved heat release rate imaging measurements, using simultaneous planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) of OH and CH2O, have been performed to explore the periodic heat release rate response to various acoustic forcing amplitudes and frequencies. For the first time we use this method to evaluate flame transfer functions and we compare these results with chemiluminescence measurements. Qualitative thermometry based on two-line OH PLIF was also used to compare the periodic temperature distribution around the flame with the periodic fluctuation of local heat release rate during acoustic forcing cycles.

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Acknowledgments

This work was supported by grants from the EPSRC and grants from Rolls-Royce within INTELLECT D.M. (Integrated lean low emission Combustor design methodology; FP6-502961). BA was supported by a case studentship from Rolls-Royce. GH is grateful to a case studentship from CMI (Cambridge-MIT Institute). JH was supported by an Advanced Research Fellowship from the EPSRC. CFK is thankful to the EPSRC for the provision of a PLATFORM grant and to the Leverhulme trust for personal sponsorship. RSC and CAA acknowledge the financial support of Rolls–Royce and DTI under the ATAP-10 programme. We gratefully acknowledge Dr. J. Frank for many inspiring discussions.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Cambridge, Pembroke Street, Cambridge, CB2 3RA, UK

    B. Ayoola, G. Hartung, J. Hult & C. F. Kaminski

  2. SAOT School of Advanced Optical Technologies, Max Planck Research Group Division III, University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Nuremberg, Germany

    C. F. Kaminski

  3. Department of Engineering, University of Cambridge, Trumpington Road, Cambridge, CB2 1PZ, UK

    C. A. Armitage & R. S. Cant

Authors
  1. B. Ayoola
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  2. G. Hartung
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  3. C. A. Armitage
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  4. J. Hult
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  5. R. S. Cant
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  6. C. F. Kaminski
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Correspondence to C. F. Kaminski.

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Ayoola, B., Hartung, G., Armitage, C.A. et al. Temperature response of turbulent premixed flames to inlet velocity oscillations. Exp Fluids 46, 27–41 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-008-0534-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00348-008-0534-0

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