Effect of swirler configuration on noise generated by swirling flames and flows

Kapil K. Singh, Luc Mongeau, Steven H. Frankel, Jay P. Gore

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Most gas turbine engines feature swirl combustors to achieve stable, efficient, and clean combustion. These exhibit instabilities characterized by vortex breakdown and the emergence of a precessing vortex core (PVC). The combustion dynamiCS in these systems are caused by interactions between the unsteady heat release with the temporal and spatial inhomogeneity, and unsteady fluid mechanical phenomena of vortex breakdown and PVC. Before understanding the dynamiCS of enclosed swirling flows and flames, it is first imperative to comprehend the plenum pressure fluctuations and radiated sound from open swirling flows and flames. This paper investigates effects of swirler configuration by addition of a second swirler with co-and counter-rotation to a single swirler configuration. A radial swirler premixer with converging-diverging nozzle was used. Methane partially premixed flames were scrutinized. External sound and internal plenum pressure fluctuations spectra were simultaneously measured. The PVC structure in the counter-rotation double swirler flow was considerably weaker than single and co-rotating double swirlers. The addition of second swirler reduced the effective swirl number of the swirler premixer with counter-rotation having a stronger impact thereby reducing the PVC frequency. The counter-rotating double swirler flames were the noisiest. The co-rotating double swirler flames generated least noise with at least an order of magnitude lower sound and pressure fluctuations spectral amplitudes compared to single and counter-rotating double swirlers.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication12th International Congress on Sound and Vibration 2005, ICSV 2005
Pages1729-1736
Number of pages8
StatePublished - 2005
Externally publishedYes
Event12th International Congress on Sound and Vibration 2005, ICSV 2005 - Lisbon, Portugal
Duration: 11 Jul 200514 Jul 2005

Publication series

Name12th International Congress on Sound and Vibration 2005, ICSV 2005
Volume2

Conference

Conference12th International Congress on Sound and Vibration 2005, ICSV 2005
Country/TerritoryPortugal
CityLisbon
Period11/07/0514/07/05

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Acoustics and Ultrasonics

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Effect of swirler configuration on noise generated by swirling flames and flows'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this