scholarly journals High-Speed Imaging of Forced Ignition Kernels in Nonuniform Jet Fuel/Air Mixtures

2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheng Wei ◽  
Brandon Sforzo ◽  
Jerry Seitzman
Keyword(s):  
Heat Release ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Air Flow ◽  
Cetane Number ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Liquid Fuels ◽  
High Speed Imaging ◽  
Ignition Probability ◽  
Turbine Engine ◽  
Planar Laser

This paper describes experimental measurements of forced ignition of prevaporized liquid fuels in a well-controlled facility that incorporates nonuniform flow conditions similar to those of gas turbine engine combustors. The goal here is to elucidate the processes by which the initially unfueled kernel evolves into a self-sustained flame. Three fuels are examined: a conventional Jet-A and two synthesized fuels that are used to explore fuel composition effects. A commercial, high-energy recessed cavity discharge igniter located at the test section wall ejects kernels at 15 Hz into a preheated, striated crossflow. Next to the igniter wall is an unfueled air flow; above this is a premixed, prevaporized, fuel–air flow, with a matched velocity and an equivalence ratio near 0.75. The fuels are prevaporized in order to isolate chemical effects. Differences in early ignition kernel development are explored using three synchronized, high-speed imaging diagnostics: schlieren, emission/chemiluminescence, and OH planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF). The schlieren images reveal rapid entrainment of crossflow fluid into the kernel. The PLIF and emission images suggest chemical reactions between the hot kernel and the entrained fuel–air mixture start within tens of microseconds after the kernel begins entraining fuel, with some heat release possibly occurring. Initially, dilution cooling of the kernel appears to outweigh whatever heat release occurs; so whether the kernel leads to successful ignition or not, the reaction rate and the spatial extent of the reacting region decrease significantly with time. During a successful ignition event, small regions of the reacting kernel survive this dilution and are able to transition into a self-sustained flame after ∼1–2 ms. The low-aromatic/low-cetane-number fuel, which also has the lowest ignition probability, takes much longer for the reaction zone to grow after the initial decay. The high-aromatic, more easily ignited fuel, shows the largest reaction region at early times.

High Speed Imaging of Forced Ignition Kernels in Non-Uniform Jet Fuel/Air Mixtures

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheng Wei ◽  
Brandon Sforzo ◽  
Jerry Seitzman
Keyword(s):  
Heat Release ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Air Flow ◽  
Cetane Number ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Liquid Fuels ◽  
High Speed Imaging ◽  
Ignition Probability ◽  
Turbine Engine ◽  
Planar Laser

This paper describes experimental measurements of forced ignition of prevaporized liquid fuels in a well-controlled facility that incorporates non-uniform flow conditions similar to those of gas turbine engine combustors. The goal here is to elucidate the processes by which the initially unfueled kernel evolves into a self-sustained flame. Three fuels are examined: a conventional Jet-A and two synthesized fuels that are used to explore fuel composition effects. A commercial, high-energy recessed cavity discharge igniter located at the test section wall ejects kernels at 15 Hz into a preheated, striated crossflow. Next to the igniter wall is an unfueled air flow; above this is a premixed, prevaporized, fuel-air flow, with a matched velocity and an equivalence ratio near 0.75. The fuels are prevaporized in order to isolate chemical effects. Differences in early ignition kernel development are explored using three, synchronized, high-speed imaging diagnostics: schlieren, emission/chemiluminescence, and OH planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF). The schlieren images reveal rapid entrainment of crossflow fluid into the kernel. The PLIF and emission images suggest chemical reactions between the hot kernel and the entrained fuel-air mixture start within tens of microseconds after the kernel begins entraining fuel, with some heat release possibly occurring. Initially, dilution cooling of the kernel appears to outweigh whatever heat release occurs; so whether the kernel leads to successful ignition or not, the reaction rate and the spatial extent of the reacting region decrease significantly with time. During a successful ignition event, small regions of the reacting kernel survive this dilution and are able to transition into a self-sustained flame after ∼1–2 ms. The low aromatic/low cetane number fuel, which also has the lowest ignition probability, takes much longer for the reaction zone to grow after the initial decay. The high aromatic, more easily ignited fuel, shows the largest reaction region at early times.

Liquid Fuel Composition Effects on Forced, Non-Premixed Ignition

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon Sforzo ◽  
Hoang Dao ◽  
Sheng Wei ◽  
Jerry Seitzman
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Chemical Kinetic ◽  
Optical Measurements ◽  
Liquid Fuels ◽  
Kinetic Properties ◽  
Fuel Composition ◽  
Ignition Process ◽  
Oxidation Reactions ◽  
High Speed Imaging ◽  
Ignition Probability

The effects of jet fuel composition on ignition probability have been studied in a flowfield that is relevant to turbine engine combustors, but also fundamental and conducive to modeling. In the experiments, a spark kernel is ejected from a wall and propagates transversely into a crossflow. The kernel first encounters an air-only stream before transiting into a second, flammable (premixed) stream. The two streams have matched velocities, as verified by hot-wire measurements. The liquid fuels span a range of physical and chemical kinetic properties. To focus on their chemical differences, the fuels are prevaporized in a carrier air flow before being injected into the experimental facility. Ignition probabilities at atmospheric pressure and elevated crossflow temperature were determined from optical measurements of a large number of spark events, and high speed imaging was used to characterize the kernel evolution. Eight fuel blends were tested experimentally; all exhibited increasing ignition probability as equivalence ratio increased, at least up to 1.5. Statistically significant differences between fuels were measured that have some correlation with fuel properties. To elucidate these trends, the forced ignition process was also studied with a reduced order numerical model of an entraining kernel. The simulations suggest ignition is successful if sufficient heat release occurs before entrainment of colder crossflow fluid quenches the exothermic oxidation reactions. As the kernel is initialized in air, it remains lean during the initial entrainment of the fuel-air mixture; thus richer crossflows lead to quicker and higher exothermicity.

scholarly journals Liquid Fuel Composition Effects on Forced, Nonpremixed Ignition

2016 ◽  
Vol 139 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon Sforzo ◽  
Hoang Dao ◽  
Sheng Wei ◽  
Jerry Seitzman
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Chemical Kinetic ◽  
Optical Measurements ◽  
Liquid Fuels ◽  
Kinetic Properties ◽  
Fuel Composition ◽  
Ignition Process ◽  
Oxidation Reactions ◽  
High Speed Imaging ◽  
Ignition Probability

The effects of jet fuel composition on ignition probability have been studied in a flowfield that is relevant to turbine engine combustors, but also fundamental and conducive to modeling. In the experiments, a spark kernel is ejected from a wall and propagates transversely into a crossflow. The kernel first encounters an air-only stream before transiting into a second, flammable (premixed) stream. The two streams have matched velocities, as verified by hot-wire measurements. The liquid fuels span a range of physical and chemical kinetic properties. To focus on their chemical differences, the fuels are prevaporized in a carrier air flow before being injected into the experimental facility. Ignition probabilities at atmospheric pressure and elevated crossflow temperature were determined from optical measurements of a large number of spark events, and high-speed imaging was used to characterize the kernel evolution. Eight fuel blends were tested experimentally; all exhibited increasing ignition probability as equivalence ratio increased, at least up to the maximum value studied (∼0.8). Statistically significant differences between fuels were measured that have some correlation with fuel properties. To elucidate these trends, the forced ignition process was also studied with a reduced-order numerical model of an entraining kernel. The simulations suggest ignition is successful if sufficient heat release occurs before entrainment of colder crossflow fluid quenches the exothermic oxidation reactions. As the kernel is initialized in air, it remains extremely lean during the initial entrainment of the fuel–air mixture; thus, richer crossflows lead to quicker and higher exothermicity.

X-Ray Phase Contrast Imaging of Liquid Film and Spray Development Inside an Aircraft Engine Swirler

2019 ◽  
Vol 141 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon A. Sforzo ◽  
Alan L. Kastengren ◽  
Katarzyna E. Matusik ◽  
Felipe Gomez del Campo ◽  
Christopher F. Powell
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Film ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Phase Contrast ◽  
Air Flow ◽  
High Energy ◽  
Phase Contrast Imaging ◽  
Contrast Imaging ◽  
Spray Cone ◽  
Validation Data ◽  
X Ray

Abstract Modern aircraft engines combine liquid fuel and air using an intricate flow device with many fuel and air flow passages. To date, the process by which the fuel atomizes within this swirler set has not been examined directly due to optical access limitations. In this work, high-speed X-ray phase-contrast imaging of a liquid spray inside a gas turbine engine swirler geometry is presented. Measurements were carried out at the 7-BM beamline of the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory using the high-energy broadband X-ray beam. The synchrotron X-ray source provides the necessary photon energy and flux to capture time-resolved fluid phenomena within the confines of the relevant geometry while liquid and air are flowing. Spray nozzle hardware and geometries were provided by the National Jet Fuels Combustion Program (NJFCP), allowing for characterization of the spray using a commercially relevant configuration. Modified swirlers were three-dimensional printed with acrylic to improve imaging access while maintaining influential internal features. Water was used as a surrogate fluid for these studies to demonstrate the visualization capabilities. The experiments were conducted at atmospheric exit pressure conditions with a pressure drop of 6% across the swirler. High-speed imaging of the pilot spray cone revealed sheet breakup several millimeters downstream of the orifice exit, upon interaction with the radial assist air flow. These droplets and ligaments were observed to impinge on the inner filming surface of the swirler and flow toward the exit while developing a tangential flow. Under these conditions, the liquid film grows up to several hundred microns in thickness on the filming surface, and subsequently forms ligaments up to several millimeters in length before breaking up. This work demonstrates the capability of X-ray diagnostics in visualizing liquid flows within solid geometries of technical relevance. Furthermore, the spatial quantification of filming flows and liquid interaction with the swirler air provides validation data for modeling of the multiphase flows and surface interactions within the swirler.

Ignition Probability in a Stratified Turbulent Flow With a Sunken Fire Igniter

2014 ◽  
Vol 137 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brandon Sforzo ◽  
Jaecheol Kim ◽  
Jeff Jagoda ◽  
Jerry Seitzman
Keyword(s):  
Transit Time ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Equivalence Ratio ◽  
Imaging Systems ◽  
Flow Temperature ◽  
Ignition Probability ◽  
Turbine Engine ◽  
Reduced Order ◽  
Adverse Conditions ◽  
Transit Times

The evolution of a spark kernel ejected by a sunken fire igniter into a turbulent, fuel–air stratified crossflow was studied both experimentally and using a model in a configuration that is similar to the conditions found in turbine engine combustors. This study allows for variations in the transit time of the kernel across a uniform nonflammable region, before entering a second stream containing a flammable fuel–air mixture. High speed schlieren and emission imaging systems are used to visualize the evolution of the kernel and determine the probability of ignition based on measurements over many spark events. Experiments are performed for a range of mean velocities, transit times, inlet (preheat) temperatures, flammable zone equivalence ratios, and nonflammable zone equivalence ratios. In addition to the typical dependence of ignition on the equivalence ratio of the flammable mixture, the results indicate the strong influence of the kernel transit time and the inlet flow temperature on the probability of ignition. The entrainment between the kernel and the surrounding flow appears to be primarily controlled by the kernel ejection-induced flowfield. Reduced-order modeling suggests that the lowering of the kernel temperature associated with entrainment of the nonflammable mixture significantly reduces the ignition probability, and leads to the conclusion that the presence of fuel close to the igniter is necessary to ensure reliable ignition under adverse conditions.

Optical Investigation of the Effects of Ethanol/Gasoline Blends on Spark-Assisted HCCI

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Fatouraie ◽  
Margaret S. Wooldridge
Keyword(s):  
Heat Release ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Engine Performance ◽  
Optical Investigation ◽  
Release Rates ◽  
High Speed Imaging ◽  
Engine Operation ◽  
Spark Timing ◽  
Combustion Properties ◽  
Ethanol Blends

Spark assist (SA) has been demonstrated to extend the operating limits of homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) modes of engine operation. This experimental investigation focuses on the effects of 100% indolene and 70% indolene/30% ethanol blends on the ignition and combustion properties during SA HCCI operation. The spark assist effects are compared to baseline HCCI operation for each blend by varying spark timing at different fuel/air equivalence ratios ranging from ϕ = 0.4–0.5. High speed imaging is used to understand connections between spark initiated flame propagation and heat release rates. Ethanol generally improves engine performance with higher IMEPn and higher stability compared to 100% indolene. SA advances phasing within a range of ∼5 CAD at lower engine speeds (700 RPM) and ∼11 CAD at higher engine speeds (1200 RPM). SA does not affect heat release rates until immediately (within ∼5 CAD) prior to autoignition. Unlike previous SA HCCI studies of indolene fuel in the same engine, flames were not observed for all SA conditions.

Optical Investigation of the Effects of Ethanol/Gasoline Blends on Spark-Assisted HCCI

2014 ◽  
Vol 136 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Fatouraie ◽  
Margaret Wooldridge
Keyword(s):  
Heat Release ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Engine Performance ◽  
Optical Investigation ◽  
Release Rates ◽  
High Speed Imaging ◽  
Engine Operation ◽  
Auto Ignition ◽  
Spark Timing ◽  
Combustion Properties

Spark assist (SA) has been demonstrated to extend the operating limits of homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) modes of engine operation. This experimental investigation focuses on the effects of 100% indolene and 70% indolene/30% ethanol blends on the ignition and combustion properties during SA HCCI operation. The spark assist effects are compared to baseline HCCI operation for each blend by varying spark timing at different fuel/air equivalence ratios ranging from Φ = 0.4–0.5. High speed imaging is used to understand connections between spark initiated flame propagation and heat release rates. Ethanol generally improves engine performance with higher net indicated mean effective pressure (IMEPn) and higher stability compared to 100% indolene. SA advances phasing within a range of ∼5 crank angle degrees (CAD) at lower engine speeds (700 rpm) and ∼11 CAD at higher engine speeds (1200 rpm). SA does not affect heat release rates until immediately (within ∼5 CAD) prior to auto-ignition. Unlike previous SA HCCI studies of indolene fuel in the same engine, flames were not observed for all SA conditions.

Optical imaging techniques for hypersonic impulse facilities

2007 ◽  
Vol 111 (1115) ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. J. McIntyre ◽  
H. Kleine ◽  
A. F. P. Houwing
Keyword(s):  
Optical Imaging ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Flow Visualisation ◽  
Complex Flows ◽  
High Speed Imaging ◽  
Time Resolved ◽  
Flow Parameters ◽  
Planar Laser ◽  
Recent Developments

Abstract The application of optical imaging techniques to hypersonic facilities is discussed and examples of experimental measurements are provided. Traditional Schlieren and shadowgraph techniques still remain as inexpensive and easy to use flow visualisation techniques. With the advent of faster cameras, these methods are becoming increasingly important for time-resolved high-speed imaging. Interferometry’s quantitative nature is regularly used to obtain density information about hypersonic flows. Recent developments have seen an extension of the types of flows that can be imaged and the measurement of other flow parameters such as ionisation level. Planar laser induced fluorescence has been used to visualise complex flows and to measure such quantities as temperature and velocity. Future directions for optical imaging are discussed.

scholarly journals Ignition Probability and Lean Ignition Behaviour of a Swirled Premixed Bluff Body Stabilised Annular Combustor

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roberto Ciardiello ◽  
Rohit S. Pathania ◽  
Patton M. Allison ◽  
Pedro M. de Oliveira ◽  
Epaminondas Mastorakos
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Bluff Body ◽  
Recirculation Zone ◽  
Ignition Process ◽  
High Speed Imaging ◽  
Ignition Probability ◽  
Flame Kernel ◽  
Annular Combustor ◽  
Initial Flame ◽  
Limiting Condition

Abstract An experimental investigation was performed in a premixed annular combustor equipped with multiple swirl, bluff body burners to assess the ignition probability and to provide insights into the mechanisms of failure and of successful propagation. The experiments are done at conditions that are close to the lean blow-off limit (LBO) and hence the ignition is difficult and close to the limiting condition when ignition is not possible. Two configurations were employed, with 12 and 18 burners, the mixture velocity was varied between 10 and 30 m/s, and the equivalence ratio (ϕ) between 0.58 and 0.68. Ignition was initiated by a sequence of sparks (2 mm gap, 10 sparks of 10 ms each) and “ignition” is defined as successful ignition of the whole annular combustor. The mechanism of success and failure of the ignition process and the flame propagation patterns were investigated via high-speed imaging (10 kHz) of OH* chemiluminescence. The lean ignition limits were evaluated and compared to the lean blow-off limits, finding the 12-burner configuration is more stable than the 18-burner. It was found that failure is linked to the trapping of the initial flame kernel inside the inner recirculation zone (IRZ) of a single burner adjacent to the spark, followed by localised quenching on the bluff body probably due to heat losses. In contrast, for a successful ignition, it was necessary for the flame kernel to propagate to the adjacent burner or for a flame pocket to be convected downstream in the chamber to grow and start propagating upwards. Finally, the ignition probability (Pign) was obtained for different spark locations. It was found that sparking inside the recirculation zone resulted in Pign ∼ 0 for most conditions, while Pign increased moving the spark away from the bluff-body or placing it between two burners and peaked to Pign ∼ 1 when the spark was located downstream in the combustion chamber, where the velocities are lower and the turbulence less intense. The results provide information on the most favourable conditions for achieving ignition in a complex multi-burner geometry and could help the design and optimisation of realistic gas turbine combustors.

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