Computational Study on flow Structures of Quench Zone in a Rich-quench-lean Trapped-vortex Combustor

The quench zone is one of key issues for a rich-quench-lean(RQL)/trapped-vortex combustor(TVC). The characteristics of flow structures of quench zone were investigated computationally with the correction by the particle image velocimetry(PIV) results. RQL/TVC combines the potential advantages of the low emission staged combustion technology of RQL with TVC. TVC has been a very promising novel combustor concept offering improvements in lean blow-out, altitude relight, and operating range. Besides, compared to conventional combustors, TVC has a potential to decrease nitrogen oxides emissions. By utilizing quench devices with different sizes of holes under the same blockage ratio in mainstream position, this paper describes the characteristics of flow structures of quench zone in a RQL/TVC. The results show that, through the quench devices, the mainstream flow quickly mixes with the flow from the cavity zone under variable mixing levels which are related to the changing of different sizes of holes. The effects of turbulent intensity and unmixedness level were examined and discussed.