Calculation of flowfields in side-inlet ramjet combustors with an algebraic Reynolds stress model

Abstract

Calculations have been made of the three-dimensional, isothermal, turbulent flowfield development in two side-inlet dump combustor configurations for Reynolds numbers 2.6 X 10 and 2.7 x 10, respectively. The governing partial differential equations are solved numerically with an algebraic Reynolds stress turbulence model. The calculated flow structure is presented in terms of mean velocity profiles, swirl intensity, total pressure loss, and the fractions of the inlet mass flow rate transported into and out of the dome region. In addition, the calculated results are compared with the reported laser-Doppler velocimetry data and flow visualization photographs. Reasonable agreement is obtained. Furthermore, the present calculations have shown an improvement over the previous work in the prediction of the vortex pattern in the dome region.