Mixing Study of Strut Injectors in Supersonic Flows

Abstract

Mixing characteristics of various strut injectors in supersonic flows were examined using Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence technique. CFD studies were used to further the understanding of the aerodynamics and mixing characteristics of the strut injectors. Effects of wedge angle, strut root length, and shape of strut base on fuel distributions were evaluated. Struts with a shorter root length create a stronger flow expansion at the base that enhances the fuel penetration in the transverse direction because of the strong upward transport behind the strut. However, the strong flow expansion in the strut base could also creates the strong flowfield that causes the fuel to be distributed closer to the symmetric plane and potentially reduces the mixing performance.