Large-Eddy Simulations of Combustion Instability in an Axisymmetric Ramjet Combustor

Abstract

The large-eddy simulation (LES) model previously developed for cold flow in an axisymmetric ramjet combustor is extended to include a model for premixed fuel combustion. The combustion model explicitly uses a subgrid-scale local turbulent flame speed in the governing equation. This model not only reduces the computational effort, when compared to a model with detailed finite-rate chemical kinetics, but also avoids the potential error in the amount of heat release causd by numerical diffusion. Both stable and unstable combustion are simulated with evidence of decaying and growing pressure oscillations, respectively. The observed flow features on unstable combustion. such as a propagating hooked flame and its phase relation with the pressure oscillation, agree with experimental observations. These simulations clearly establish that the LES model contains the essential physics of combustion instability in a ramjet. Although the simulations show general qualitative features of combustion instability, further ...