Assessing the effects of pressure variations on combustion dynamics in vortex-tube flows

Abstract

In our investigation, we scrutinize combustion stability in vortex-tube combustion at high operating pressures by examining stability limits, flame configurations, and pressure oscillations. Our examination deeply probes the intricacies of flow and flame behaviors in terms of aerodynamic, thermodynamic, and flamedynamic aspects to identify the fundamental reasons behind stability variances at different pressure levels. The findings indicate that combustion instability escalates with rising operating pressures, marked by increased variability in flame patterns and a monotonic upsurge in pressure oscillation amplitudes. Although aerodynamic and thermodynamic stabilities remain unaffected, the thermoacoustic stability is compromised at elevated pressures. This is evidenced by the strong link between the Rayleigh criterion and the amplitude of pressure fluctuations, with an increased “gain” in the flame transfer function as pressure mounts. The core of the observed thermoacoustic instability is traced back to heightened density variations and mean flow velocities at high pressures, leading to amplified momentum flux oscillations.