Experimental and computational analysis of a row of three co-swirling impinging flames

Abstract

Detailed flow field and heat transfer characteristics developed in a row of three co-rotating dual swirling impinging flames have been investigated experimentally as well as numerically. Impingement heat transfer and pressure distribution has been studied experimentally at different separation distances and inter-jet spacings. Inverse heat conduction procedure (IHCP) has been used for estimating heat fluxes on the front side of impingement plate. Turbulence induced mixing results in strong interactions amongst adjacent flames causing deflections of inner flames of the burners situated at sides of central burner. Numerical simulation predicted formation of asymmetric recirculation zones for side flames. Symmetric interactions taking place for central flame produced two equal recirculation lobes for central flame. Behavior of central inner flame has been observed to be dependent on the value of inter-jet spacing used. Suppression of central inner flame tend to occur at higher inter-jet spacings due to recirculating products. Impingement pressure distribution is observed to be consistent with the heat flux distribution. Averaged heat fluxes registered at the impingement plate due to the central flame are higher in magnitude to those pertaining to each of the side flames.