CFD simulations of premixed hydrogen combustion using the Eddy Dissipation and the Turbulent Flame Closure models

Abstract

This paper presents a CFD simulation of premixed combustion tests, and centers around a comparison between the classical Eddy Dissipation Model (EDM) and the more sophisticated Turbulent Flame Closure (TFC) model. The chosen tests relate to hydrogen-air deflagration experiments in the THAI and ENACCEF facilities, featuring respectively slow and fast dynamics.Validation of the models is accomplished by comparing model predictions against important measured combustion parameters (flame velocity and spatial propagation, pressure history, spectra, etc.). We follow CFD Best Practice Guidelines, in particular by conducting systematic mesh and time-step sensitivity studies.Both default models predict combustion evolution reasonably well in all tests studied. For the ENACCEF dual compartment experiments, the flame propagation features several dynamical phases, and the TFC model using the progress variable approach reproduces better than the EDM the flame velocity evolution, which leads to better estimation of the temporal gradient of pressure. The better performance of the TFC model comes however at the expense of a larger computational effort, i.e. larger meshes and smaller time steps. This observed trend in 2D geometries is likely to be enhanced in 3D settings.