Effects of Primary Jets on the Flow Field and Outlet Temperature Distribution in a Reverse-Flow Combustor

A reverse-flow combustor has a larger liner surface area due to airflow turning, which complicates flow and cooling control, particularly heat transfer efficiency. Effective heat management is essential for maintaining uniform temperature distribution and preventing thermal gradients. This study exp...

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Main Authors: Qian Yao, Peixing Li, Chaoqun Ren, Chaowei Tang, Qiongyao Qin, Jianzhong Li, Wu Jin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-02-01
Series:Aerospace
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/12/3/182
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author Qian Yao
Peixing Li
Chaoqun Ren
Chaowei Tang
Qiongyao Qin
Jianzhong Li
Wu Jin
author_facet Qian Yao
Peixing Li
Chaoqun Ren
Chaowei Tang
Qiongyao Qin
Jianzhong Li
Wu Jin
author_sort Qian Yao
collection DOAJ
description A reverse-flow combustor has a larger liner surface area due to airflow turning, which complicates flow and cooling control, particularly heat transfer efficiency. Effective heat management is essential for maintaining uniform temperature distribution and preventing thermal gradients. This study explores the impact of axial position and diameter of primary holes on thermal performance and flow dynamics. Results indicate that as the primary holes move toward the dome, the recirculation vortex size decreases, leading to insufficient fuel mixing, a reduction in the high-temperature area in the primary zone, and an increase in the high-temperature area of the middle zone. On the other hand, moving the primary holes downstream enhances fuel mixing, increasing high-temperature areas in the primary zone and reducing them in the middle and dilution zones, thus improving thermal boundary layers and convective heat transfer rates. When the primary hole is moved 10 mm downstream, outlet temperature improves significantly with an outlet temperature distribution factor (OTDF) of 0.21 and a radial temperature distribution factor (RTDF) of 0.16. Additionally, reducing the upper primary hole diameter strengthens jet deflection, improving fuel–gas mixing at the dome and heat transfer to the central region. With a 2.1 mm hole diameter, the temperature gradient decreases, resulting in an OTDF of 0.184 and RTDF of 0.15. Furthermore, as the momentum flux ratio increases, the jet penetration depth initially rises and then stabilizes. Momentum flux ratios between 10.6 and 15.1 significantly affect jet penetration, while further increases result in smaller fluctuations. Higher momentum flux ratios create localized high- and low-temperature zones, reducing outlet temperature distribution quality. The optimal momentum ratio for the reverse-flow combustor, ensuring effective jet penetration and better temperature distribution, is between 10.6 and 14.7, with a corresponding penetration depth of 34.3 mm to 35.1 mm. These findings offer valuable insights for improving reverse-flow combustor design and performance.
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spelling doaj-art-136f1bfb72fb4f8a9299101329ee5b092025-08-20T02:11:21ZengMDPI AGAerospace2226-43102025-02-0112318210.3390/aerospace12030182Effects of Primary Jets on the Flow Field and Outlet Temperature Distribution in a Reverse-Flow CombustorQian Yao0Peixing Li1Chaoqun Ren2Chaowei Tang3Qiongyao Qin4Jianzhong Li5Wu Jin6College of Energy and Power, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, ChinaCollege of Energy and Power, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, ChinaShanghai Institute of Spacecraft Equipment, Shanghai 200240, ChinaCollege of Energy and Power, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, ChinaCollege of Energy and Power, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, ChinaCollege of Energy and Power, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, ChinaCollege of Energy and Power, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, ChinaA reverse-flow combustor has a larger liner surface area due to airflow turning, which complicates flow and cooling control, particularly heat transfer efficiency. Effective heat management is essential for maintaining uniform temperature distribution and preventing thermal gradients. This study explores the impact of axial position and diameter of primary holes on thermal performance and flow dynamics. Results indicate that as the primary holes move toward the dome, the recirculation vortex size decreases, leading to insufficient fuel mixing, a reduction in the high-temperature area in the primary zone, and an increase in the high-temperature area of the middle zone. On the other hand, moving the primary holes downstream enhances fuel mixing, increasing high-temperature areas in the primary zone and reducing them in the middle and dilution zones, thus improving thermal boundary layers and convective heat transfer rates. When the primary hole is moved 10 mm downstream, outlet temperature improves significantly with an outlet temperature distribution factor (OTDF) of 0.21 and a radial temperature distribution factor (RTDF) of 0.16. Additionally, reducing the upper primary hole diameter strengthens jet deflection, improving fuel–gas mixing at the dome and heat transfer to the central region. With a 2.1 mm hole diameter, the temperature gradient decreases, resulting in an OTDF of 0.184 and RTDF of 0.15. Furthermore, as the momentum flux ratio increases, the jet penetration depth initially rises and then stabilizes. Momentum flux ratios between 10.6 and 15.1 significantly affect jet penetration, while further increases result in smaller fluctuations. Higher momentum flux ratios create localized high- and low-temperature zones, reducing outlet temperature distribution quality. The optimal momentum ratio for the reverse-flow combustor, ensuring effective jet penetration and better temperature distribution, is between 10.6 and 14.7, with a corresponding penetration depth of 34.3 mm to 35.1 mm. These findings offer valuable insights for improving reverse-flow combustor design and performance.https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/12/3/182primary jetsreverse-flow combustorflow fieldoutlet temperature distribution
spellingShingle Qian Yao
Peixing Li
Chaoqun Ren
Chaowei Tang
Qiongyao Qin
Jianzhong Li
Wu Jin
Effects of Primary Jets on the Flow Field and Outlet Temperature Distribution in a Reverse-Flow Combustor
Aerospace
primary jets
reverse-flow combustor
flow field
outlet temperature distribution
title Effects of Primary Jets on the Flow Field and Outlet Temperature Distribution in a Reverse-Flow Combustor
title_full Effects of Primary Jets on the Flow Field and Outlet Temperature Distribution in a Reverse-Flow Combustor
title_fullStr Effects of Primary Jets on the Flow Field and Outlet Temperature Distribution in a Reverse-Flow Combustor
title_full_unstemmed Effects of Primary Jets on the Flow Field and Outlet Temperature Distribution in a Reverse-Flow Combustor
title_short Effects of Primary Jets on the Flow Field and Outlet Temperature Distribution in a Reverse-Flow Combustor
title_sort effects of primary jets on the flow field and outlet temperature distribution in a reverse flow combustor
topic primary jets
reverse-flow combustor
flow field
outlet temperature distribution
url https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/12/3/182
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