Large eddy simulation of bluff-body stabilized swirling non-premixed flames

Large eddy simulations (LES) using a subgrid mixing and combustion model are carried out to study two bluff-body stabilized swirling non-premixed flames (SM1 and SMA2). The similarities and differences between the two flames are highlighted and discussed. Flow features, such as, the recirculation zone (RZ) size and the flame structure are captured accurately in both cases. The SM1 flame shows a toroidal RZ just behind the bluff body and a vortex breakdown bubble (VBB) downstream. In addition, a highly rotational non-recirculating region in-between the RZ and VBB is observed as well. On the other hand, the SMA2 shows a single elongated recirculation zone downstream the bluff body. Flame necking is observed downstream the bluff body for the SM1 flame but not for the SMA2 flame. The time-averaged velocity and temperature comparison also shows reasonable agreement. The study shows that the sensitivity of the flame structure to inflow conditions can be captured in the present LES without requiring any model changes. (C) 2006 The Combustion Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.