Comparison of LES Models Applied to a Bluff Body Stabilized Flame

Abstract

Present-day demands on combustion equipment are increasing the need for improved understanding and prediction of turbulent combustion. Large Eddy Simulation (LES), in which the large-scale flow is resolved on the grid, leaving only the small-scale flow to be modeled, provides a natural framework for combustion calculations as the transient nature of the flow is resolved. In most situations, however, the flame is thinner than the LES grid, and subgrid modeling is required to handle the turbulence-chemistry interaction. Here, we examine the predictive capabilities and the theoretical links between LES flamelet models, such as the G-equation model (G-LES), and LES finite rate chemistry models, such as the Thickened Flame Model (TFM-LES), the Partially Stirred Reactor model (PaSR-LES), the Eddy Dissipation Concept (EDC-LES) model, a Presumed Probability Density Function (PPDF-LES) model and the Implicit LES (QL-LES) model. The models are described, and theoretical links between these are discussed in terms of the turbulent flame speed and flame thickness. In addition, the different models are used to study a bluff-body stabilized flame and the resulting predictions are compared with experimental data for two operating conditions.