Numerical Investigation on the Effect of Inflow Mach Numbers on the Combustion Characteristics of a Typical Cavity-Based Supersonic Combustor

The air-breathing engines, commonly known as Supersonic Combustor Ramjet (SCRAMJET) engines, are one of the most prominent technologies among researchers due to their high thrust-to-weight ratio. The researchers are constantly making efforts for improved performance of the combustor under the required boundary conditions. The present working computational model studies a hydrogen-fueled parallel cavity scramjet combustor to recognize the complex flow field characteristics and performance of the combustor in Ansys 15.0. The computational model developed is a replica of an experiment conducted in China which slightly modified the boundary conditions. The standard two-equation K-epsilon turbulence model and Reynolds averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) equation with finite-rate/eddy dissipation species reaction model are used to simulate the problem. The validation of the present model is achieved by comparing the results with already available experimental data in conformity with the literature. The results of the simulations are in satisfactory accord with the experimental data and images. Furthermore, to achieve the stated objective, different incoming Mach numbers, namely, 2.25, 2.52, and 2.75, are considered for a more clear understanding of variables that affects the characteristics of the flow field. The temperature, Mach number, density pressure, and H2O mass fraction contours were studied to facilitate proper understanding. The maximum temperature rise observed is 2711.467 K for M = 2.25. Additionally, the performance parameters, namely, combustion and mixing efficiencies, are also studied. The maximum combustion and mixing efficiencies are 87.47% and 98.15% for M = 2.25 and 2.75, respectively.

Automated summary

The study reveals that analyzing the supersonic combustor ramjet engine through a simulation model can effectively replicate experimental results. Different incoming Mach numbers result in varying combustion and mixing efficiencies. The maximum temperature rise is 2711.467 K, with maximum combustion and mixing efficiencies of 87.47% and 98.15% respectively.