Numerical simulation of flow and the effect of baffle arrangement on pressure drop and temperature pattern in a circular combustor

A numerical simulation study was conducted to determine the effect of baffle arrangement on pressure drop in an experimental reverse-flow circular combustor with several mini-combustion zones (MCZ). The fluent computer code developed by Creare Inc., was used for this study. Three parameters which appeared to significantly affect the pressure drop were varied, and pressure drop for each case was numerically determined. The portion of the combustor volume that was investigated had two baffles on the upper face and two baffles on the lower face. Heated air at 1000 F with an inlet air velocity of 100 ft/sec and 1 atmosphere pressure was introduced into the combustor. Fuel (pentane) at 80 F was introduced via nozzles which were placed between the baffles. The following changes were then made in the baffle arrangement and the effects on the pressure drop and temperature distribution were evaluated for each of the following cases: (1) the positions of the baffles on the upper and lower face were changed; (2) the dimensions of the baffles were varied; (3) the shapes of the baffles were altered. The effects of the above mentioned design alterations are summarized.