LES Modeling of the DLR Generic Single-Cup Spray Combustor: Validation and the Impact of Combustion Chemistry

Turbulent spray combustion in a generic kerosene-fueled single-cup combustor at typical idle and cruise conditions of an aeroengine are studied with Large Eddy Simulations (LES) using Lagrangian spray and finite-rate chemistry combustion modeling. Three reaction mechanisms of varying complexity are used to model the combustion chemistry. The choice of turbulence-chemistry interaction model is shown to affect the results significantly. The impact of the choice of chemical reaction mechanism and the difference in operating conditions are gauged in terms of time-averaged flow, spray, and combustion characteristics as well as unsteady behavior. Good agreement between LES predictions and experimental results are generally observed but with a notable dependence on the choice of chemical reaction mechanism. The mechanism specifically targeting Jet A displays the best agreement. The choice of reaction mechanism is further demonstrated to influence the flow and thermoacoustics in the combustor, resulting in different thermoacoustic modes dominating. The spray cone is found to be too narrow and thin, an inaccuracy which could be remedied by either making the injection method more empirical or by introducing additional models.