Effect of low fuel temperature on combustion deterioration of kerosene swirling spray flames using OH-PLIF

Abstract

The low fuel inlet temperature poses challenges to the flame stability of aircraft engine combustors. In order to investigate the combustion deterioration of swirl-stabilized kerosene spray flames under conditions of low fuel inlet temperature (T < −16 °C), a comprehensive system was established, comprising a burner commonly used in aircraft engines and a cooling setup. Upon analyzing OH-PLIF images, it becomes evident that sub-zero Celsius temperatures significantly lead to a decrease in OH radical concentration, resulting in a diminished heat release rate. The strongest signals decrease by a minimum of 5 times. Additionally, through the analysis of LIF spectra and detuned images, the differences between OH-LIF and kerosene-LIF are beneficial for recognizing the kerosene particles from the OH-LIF signals at the same time. For atomization assessment, employing the LOG operator blob detection method, it is found that at sub-zero Celsius temperatures, the overall count of fuel LIF particles experiences a slight reduction, while the count of larger particles increases across various air flow rates. This observation highlights an inferior droplet distribution at lower fuel temperatures. The image processing of kerosene LIF particles opens up the possibility for a rapid evaluation of atomization, especially when assessing combustion deterioration in kerosene spray flames through the use of a simple OH-PLIF technique.