Numerical investigation of symmetry breaking and multi-loop hysteresis phenomena in a symmetric supersonic combustor

Abstract

AbstractNumerical investigations are performed to study the features of symmetry breaking phenomena in a symmetric supersonic combustor. By changing the fuel equivalence ratio, the symmetry breaking phenomena are numerically observed. Further, the hysteresis behaviours are observed along with the phenomena of symmetry breaking by increasing and then decreasing the the fuel equivalence ratio. Furthermore, more complex hysteresis phenomenon, i.e., multi-loop hysteresis, is observed numerically. The multi-loop hysteresis consists of both major and minor loops, and is associated with the interaction between multiple flow structures. Due to the fact that different flow structures would result in different flow conditions, the findings regarding the existence of hysteresis behaviours can significantly affect the combustion process and even the performance of the engine. It is hoped that the observation of the (multi-loop) hysteresis phenomenon may bring it to the attention of those investigators whose experiments maybe affected by its occurrence.