Investigation into the coherence of flame intensity oscillations in a model multi-element rocket combustor using complex networks

Capturing the complex spatiotemporal flame dynamics inside a rocket combustor is essential to validate high-fidelity simulations for developing high-performance rocket engines. Utilizing tools from a complex network theory, we construct positively and negatively correlated weighted networks from methylidyne (CH*) chemiluminescence intensity oscillations for different dynamical states observed during the transition to thermoacoustic instability (TAI) in a subscale multi-element rocket combustor. We find that the distribution of network measures quantitatively captures the extent of coherence in the flame dynamics. We discover that regions with highly correlated flame intensity oscillations tend to connect with other regions exhibiting highly correlated flame intensity oscillations. This phenomenon, known as assortative mixing, leads to a core group (a cluster) in the flow-field that acts as a reservoir for coherent flame intensity oscillations. Spatiotemporal features described in this study can be used to understand the self-excited flame response during the transition to TAI and validate high-fidelity simulations essential for developing high-performance rocket engines.

Automated summary

Using complex network theory, we construct weighted networks to capture the coherence of flame dynamics by analyzing flame intensity oscillations. We find that regions with highly correlated flame oscillations tend to connect with each other, forming a core group. These spatiotemporal features help understand self-excited flame response and validate simulations for developing high-performance rocket engines.