The flow field in a suddenly enlarged combustion chamber

Abstract

The characteristics and dynamics of an abruptly expanded flow in a model combustion chamber (combustor) were investigated experimentally. The combustion chamber consisted of a plexiglass, circular duct with a suddenly enlarged section followed by a nozzle. The Reynolds number, based on the inlet duct diameter and center velocity, was 64,000. The wall pressure measurements were carried out with a laser-Doppler anemometer (LDA). Detailed profiles of mean velocities, turbulent intensities, turbulent shear stresses, and wall pressure distribution were developed. The dividing streamline, the reattachment point, and the magnitudes of the mean kinetic energy and turbulent kinetic energy were also determined.