Flow visualization and computational studies of a reverse flow circular combustor

The development of a reverse-flow circular combustor is described in terms of the visualization techniques that are employed to optimize the flow and mixing of fuel and air. The Fluent computer program is used in conjunction with flow visualization studies to investigate the performance of the combustor. The combustor has multiple mini-combustion zones (MCZs) and fuel injection nozzles along its circular geometry, and the fuel injection design is modeled to determine temperature distribution, including the performance at the combustor exit. The yellow dye smoke used in the visualization demonstrated desirable flow patterns with rapid circulation patterns within the MCZs and extensive interaction between the channel flow and the MCZs. The results are similar to those of CFD models, and the main conclusions are that fuel atomization can be further optimized and that the fuel injector nozzle can control swirls, fuel spray angle, and jet penetration.