Tomographic particle image velocimetry measurement on three-dimensional swirling flow in dual-stage counter-rotating swirler

Abstract

Three-Dimensional (3D) swirling flow structures, generated by a counter-rotating dual-stage swirler in a confined chamber with a confinement ratio of 1.53, were experimentally investigated at Re = 2.3 × 105 using Tomographic Particle Image Velocimetry (Tomo-PIV) and planar Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). Based on the analysis of the 3D time-averaged swirling flow structures and 3D Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) of the Tomo-PIV data, typical coherent flow structures, including the Corner Recirculation Zone (CRZ), Central Recirculation Zone (CTRZ), and Lip Recirculation Zone (LRZ), were extracted. The counter-rotating dual-stage swirler with a Venturi flare generates the independence process of vortex breakdown from the main stage and pilot stage, leading to the formation of an LRZ and a smaller CTRZ near the nozzle outlet. The confinement squeezes the CRZ to the corner and causes a reverse rotation flow to limit the shape of the CTRZ. A large-scale flow structure caused by the main stage features an explosive breakup, flapping, and Precessing Vortex Core (PVC). The explosive breakup mode dominates the swirling flow structures owing to the expansion and construction of the main jet, whereas the flapping mode is related to the wake perturbation. Confinement limits the expansion of PVC and causes it to contract after the impacting area.