Numerical investigation on implication of innovative hydrogen strut in comparison with multi strut injector on performance and combustion characteristics in a scramjet combustor. (25th December 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kireeti, S.K.; Sastry, Gadepalli Ravikiran; Gugulothu, Santhosh Kumar
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 47:Number 99(2022)
• Page Start: 41932
• Page End: 41946
• Publication Date: 2022-12-25
• Subjects: Scramjet combustor -- Innovative strut -- Multi strut -- Turbulence -- Total pressure loss -- Mixing and combustion efficiency; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.01.079
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Detailed numerical analysis on a cavity-based scramjet combustor is carried out by introducing an innovatively shaped strut and multi strut with backward-facing step to generate intense vorticity, which helps in efficient mixing of fuel and oxidizer. In this study, the flow dynamics with finite volume approach on commercial software Ansys-Fluent 20.0 to solve the compressible two-dimensional fluid flow with RANS equation by considering the density-based solver with SST k- ω turbulent model. The species transport model with volumetric reaction and finite rate/eddy dissipation turbulence chemistry interaction is adopted to study the combustion phenomena. Numerically calculated results are validated with its corresponding experimental results by comparing pressure distribution along the length of the combustor, distribution of H2 mole fraction for different axial locations of combustors, and it is found that the interaction of the shear shock layer enhances the mixing rate by intensifying turbulence. It is found that the multi strut improves the mixing and combustion efficiency compared with that of the single strut owing to the formation of a significant separation layer, resulting in multiple shocks, vortices, and a larger recirculation zone. Highlights: The influence of innovative strut on scramjet combustor is investigated. Innovative strut aids in generating intense vorticity which helps in efficient mixing of fuel and oxidiser. Combustion efficiency was higher with innovative strut in comparison with base strut. Shear shock layer enhances the mixing rate by intensifying turbulence phenomena. Total pressure loss in base strut is 10% lower than that of modified strut.