Numerical and Experimental Study of an Aircraft Igniter Plasma Jet Discharge

Tang, Yihao; Kim, Joohan; Sforzo, Brandon; Scarcelli, Riccardo; Raman, Venkat

doi:10.2514/1.b38815

Numerical and Experimental Study of an Aircraft Igniter Plasma Jet Discharge

Journal Article · 01 November 2023 · Journal of Propulsion and Power

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2514/1.b38815· OSTI ID:2222674

^[1]; Kim, Joohan ^[2]; Sforzo, Brandon ^[2]; Scarcelli, Riccardo ^[2]; Raman, Venkat ^[1]

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
Argonne National Laboratory, Lemont, Illinois 60439

The spark discharge of an aircraft plasma jet igniter is studied using high-fidelity numerical simulations and X-ray radiography measurements. The target problem here features the thermal expansion of hot gas introduced by the electric spark within a confined igniter cavity, which eventually evolves into a pulsed jet of a high-temperature kernel. A comprehensive set of models adapted from existing strategies for internal combustion engine spark plug discharge is extended to the target problem, including the modeling of energy deposition, plasma reactions, thermodynamic properties, and heat losses. A series of validation and parameter studies are performed and presented. The kernel size is found to be sensitive to heat losses arising from radiation and hot gas remained within the discharge cavity, rather than heat conduction to the wall in the discharge cavity. Depending on the enforced shape of the post-breakdown electric arc, the spark kernel can be off-centered, tilted, and considerably asymmetric. These features have been previously not considered when studying such igniter configurations and may have a first-order impact on the ignition process. Provided a proper setup of the heat loss models and electric arc shape, the numerical results are quantitatively comparable to the experimental results in terms of the kernel size, shape, and velocity throughout different stages after the spark discharge.

Research Organization:: Argonne National Laboratory (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States). Advanced Photon Source (APS)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Science (SC)

DOE Contract Number:: AC02-06CH11357

OSTI ID:: 2222674

Journal Information:: Journal of Propulsion and Power, Vol. 39, Issue 6; ISSN 0748-4658

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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