A Consortium of Large Scale Facilities in the Field of Energy, Combustion and the Environment

Combustion Technology: Research, Development & Training
Transnational Access to Major Research Infrastructures

Project listing - Cardiff University, Cardiff
Dr Tim O'Doherty

1. Modelling of a jet flow using FLUENT.
2. Turbulent structures associated with jet flows
3. Modelling of novel heat transfer surfaces using Fluent
4. Experimental analysis of novel heat transfer surfaces
5. Turbulent structure of swirl flows

Modelling of a jet flow using FLUENT.

Work is on going analysing scaling to assess its effects on the aerodynamic characteristics. In particular the flow characteristics being analysed are the mean and fluctuating velocity components and the turbulent quantities associated with the flow. The jet is being considered at three different scales, for both isothermal and combustion conditions. The use of a simple jet allows an analysis of the simplest of combusting flows and is not complicated by swirl.

This project will be to construct and analyse a model of a jet using Gambit and Fluent. The results will be compared with experimental data, both existing and being produced at Cardiff.

Turbulent structures associated with jet flows

Work is on going analysing scaling to assess its effects on the aerodynamic characteristics. In particular the flow characteristics being analysed are the mean and fluctuating velocity components and the turbulent quantities associated with the flow. The jet is being considered at three different scales, for both isothermal and combustion conditions. The use of a simple jet allows an analysis of the simplest of combusting flows and is not complicated by swirl.

This project will make use of the laser diagnostic facilities at Cardiff to provide additional data sets of the aerodynamics of the jets, so producing an insight into such quantities as the power density spectra, Kolmogorov and Taylor microscales, space and time correlations, etc.

Modelling of novel heat transfer surfaces using Fluent

The efficient removal of heat from combustion gases is critical for effective use of fuels and to reduce emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels and biomass. It is particularly essential that the heat removal is not only efficient but that it occurs with a low pressure drop. This project will be to construct and analyse the flow in a plate heat exchanger, using gambit and Fluent, to assess its suitability for use downstream of combustion systems. Consideration of its use with regard to possible fouling problems from particulate carryover will also be investigated.

Experimental analysis of novel heat transfer surfaces

The efficient removal of heat from combustion gases is critical for effective use of fuels and to reduce emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels and biomass. It is particularly essential that the heat removal is not only efficient but that it occurs with a low pressure drop. This project will be to analyse the flow in a plate heat exchanger to assess its flow characteristics and suitability for use downstream of combustion systems.

Turbulent structure of swirl flows

Initial studies have been performed analysing the turbulent structure of a swirl burner, with and without the time dependent coherent structure known as the precessing vortex core (PVC). These indicated that the large or Integral scales increased in size with a PVC. This project will be to perform further LDA measurements of a swirling flow with a PVC to establish a more detailed data set. An initial study will be performed confirming the occurrence of the PVC. Based on the previous work measurement grid will be determined and an experimental protocol established.

Professor Nick Syred

1. Burner, gasifiers, combustors and gas turbine combustors modelling
2. Predictions of oscillations in combustors, both stationary and gas turbine, using a variety of different fuels.
3. Prediction of large frequency jumps and the effect of system geometry change, as well as the effect of scale in the area of conventional burners and gas turbines.
4. Prediction of engines and explosions.

Dr A J Griffiths

1. General description

Dr. Philip Bowen

1. Large-scale Combustion Hazards
2. Transient Combustion Modelling
3. Liquid-Fuel Combustion
4. Biofuel
5. Combustion Particulates
6. Combustion and Laser Diagnostics
7. Jet Breakup and Novel Atomisation Research

Dr D M ODoherty

1. Thermal stress modelling of heat exchanger surfaces

Dr C J Bates

1. Droplet Coalescence and Break-Up

For further information on the EuroFlam programme, mail to: info@euroflam.net
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