Effects of Pylon-Aided Fuel Injection on Mixing in a Supersonic Flowfield

Abstract

Previous analyses have shown that mixing can be enhanced using thin pylons that have only a negligible impact on pressure losses. In this study, helium and argon have been transversely injected into a Mach 1.6 airflow simulating a light and a heavy fuel injection behind a thin triangular pylon placed upstream, in the isolator. Penetration and mixing in the test section were observed at three cross-sections including the recirculation region and beyond with planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF). Results were compared to the no-pylon cases. The presence of the pylon resulted in improving both penetration and spreading of the jet and, at the same time, in lowering the concentration gradients in the recirculation region , an indication of improved flameholding ability.