WKB solutions to the quasi 1-D acoustic wave equation in ducts with non-uniform cross-section and inhomogeneous mean flow properties - Acoustic field and combustion instability

A second WKB-type solution (referred to as the WKB2 solution) is also obtained by relaxing the slowly-varying mean property assumption, but retaining the high frequency approximation. Thirdly, the Helmholtz equation for pressure is solved numerically without invoking the two WKB assumptions. The WKB, WKB2 and numerical solutions are compared for a number of cases involving combinations of non-uniform duct areas and axially varying mean properties. Finally, we apply the WKB solution to predict the longitudinal combustion instabilities in a 1-D combustor characterized by a sudden expansion, with uniform mean flow in each of the two ducts comprising the combustor, and a linear temperature profile downstream of a compact, planar flame.