Computational predictions of an axisymmetric lean premixed dump combustor

Computational predictions are made of the mean velocity, temperature and species fields in a lean premixed, propane-air, axisymmetric dump combustor both with and without combustion. A detailed comparison is made to the experimental data set of Gould et al.¹ Comparison of the predicted results with the experimental data are presented for both axial and radial mean velocity profiles, turbulent kinetic energy profiles and temperature profiles. Predicted species profiles are also presented. While species measurements are not available for comparison, the reacting species predictions due confirm the conjecture of Gould et al. that the centerline region downstream of the core remains relatively cool and contains large amounts of unburned fuel and oxidant. In addition, results displaying the effect of grid refinement, inflow length scale specification and chemical kinetics scheme are presented. Overall, the computer predictions exhibit reasonable agreement with the experimental data, for both the non-reacting and reacting flow-fields.