Date of Award

12-9-2009

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Richard D. Branam, PhD

Abstract

Velocity measurements were performed using the Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) technique on the Ultra Compact Combustor (UCC) test rig at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). Velocity patterns and time-averaged turbulence statistics were calculated for data taken with the UCC burning hydrogen fuel in the straight cavity vane and curved cavity vane configurations. The equivalence ratio was varied from 0.7 to 1.5, while the ratio of cavity air to main air was varied from 5% to 20% in testing performed on the straight vane configuration. Spanwise velocity was observed to decrease linearly with distance from the cavity vane over the width of the main channel, but spanwise turbulence intensity penetrated into less than 50% of the main channel for all conditions except the most fuel rich (φ=1.5) suggesting more rich conditions may prove better for both mixing and operability. A velocity effect study was performed in the curved and straight cavity vane configuration by increasing the flow rates, but holding the equivalence ratio and ratio of cavity to main air flow rates constant. Relative turbulence intensities were found to be independent of overall flow velocity in the straight configuration, while a negative correlation was observed in the curved configuration. Overall turbulence intensity levels were measured at 15% and 21% of the main channel velocity for the straight and curved configurations respectively. The highest average turbulence intensities were observed near the cross-flow of the cavity vane, and peak turbulence was observed just over the Radial Vane Cavity (RVC). The RVC was observed to generate flow rotation. Peak vorticity was observed farthest from the cavity vane suggesting the angle of the RVC is effective in generating increasing flow rotation with streamwise velocity.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GAE-ENY-09-D04

DTIC Accession Number

ADA512529

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