OH PLIF Visualization of an Optically Accessible Rotating Detonation Combustor

Conference · Fri Aug 16 04:00:00 EDT 2019 · AIAA Propulsion and Energy 2019 Forum

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2019-4217· OSTI ID:1808473

Chacon, Fabian ^[1]; Gamba, Mirko ^[2]

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1. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; University of Michigan
2. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

OH PLIF imaging has been successfully conducted within an optically accessible race- track shaped rotating detonation combustor. The OH PLIF images taken in this study corroborate the overall flow field structure reconstructed from previous OH* chemilumi- nescence studies conducted on the same combustor. However, the increased spatial and temporal resolution achieved with the OH PLIF technique allowed for the identification of previously unknown structures present in the detonation wave and its wake. These struc- tures appear as non-uniformities in the OH PLIF signal throughout the channel. Smaller scale structures range from variations in light intensity all the way to seemingly unburnt gas pockets passing through the detonation wave, suggesting non uniform reaction across the propagating detonation wave. Also present in the flow is a relatively large structure, consisting of a dark band surrounded by regions of higher OH intensity that trails the detonation wave. This band is hypothesized to be a result of the effect of secondary waves on the injection system and subsequent fill region composition stratification. Both of these flow structures represent potential avenues for performance loss through off-design mixing and heat release being uncoupled from the detonation wave.

• Research Organization: University of Michigan
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE)
• DOE Contract Number: FE0025315
• OSTI ID: 1808473
• Report Number(s): DOE-UMICH-FE0025315-016
• Conference Information: Journal Name: AIAA Propulsion and Energy 2019 Forum
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English