Time-resolved study of transient soot formation in an aero-engine model combustor at elevated pressure

The mechanisms of transient formation and oxidation of soot in an aero-engine model combustor at elevated pressure are studied for the first time using a combination of high-speed simultaneous stereo-PIV and OH-PLIF and results from a recent detailed LES. A combined analysis of experiment and LES shows that the highly transient and intermittent evolution of soot in this combustor is governed by an unsteady interplay of distinct pockets of burned gas in the inner recirculation zone (IRZ) with either relatively rich or relatively lean composition. The former originate from reaction of fuel-rich unburned gas, whereas the latter result from additional admixture of secondary air further downstream. The analysis further enables distinction and localization of premixed and diffusion-type flame fronts within the flame zone. The time-resolved complementary measurements of velocity field and flame structure allow accurate tracking of both the burned gas pockets and soot filaments. It is seen that soot generally forms in the rich pockets if their residence time in the IRZ is sufficient, whereas oxidation occurs in the lean zones carrying OH. Correlating the dynamics of flow field and soot indicates that the intermittency of soot is driven by an intermittent flow of lean burned gas into the IRZ that affects the residence time of rich pockets. The results suggest that the formation of soot might be further reduced by a proper adjustment of secondary air injection aiming at a sufficient and more constant recirculation of lean burned gas. A remarkably good agreement of measured and simulated instantaneous flame structures is observed, indicating that flow field and gas-phase reactions are well predicted by the LES. The experimental insights into the transient mechanisms of soot formation and oxidation, on the other hand, may provide useful input for LES soot models where deviations from measurements are generally larger.