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Combustion Technology:
Research, Development & Training
Transnational Access to Major Research Infrastructures
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Project listing - Cardiff University,
Cardiff
Dr. Philip Bowen
- Large-scale Combustion Hazards
- Transient Combustion Modelling
- Liquid-Fuel Combustion
- Biofuel
- Combustion Particulates
- Combustion and Laser Diagnostics
- Jet Breakup and Novel Atomisation Research
Large-scale Combustion Hazards
A range of ongoing research programmes are available, with both experimental and modelling facilities and industrial collaborators including Shell, UK Atomic Energy Authority, Health and Safety Executive, etc.. Phenomenological and CFD models are under development for predicting the consequences of large-scale hydrocarbon explosion, a potential hazard in the process industries; we have access to field trial facilities for validation where appropriate. Other areas of study include the investigation of hazards posed by uncontrolled releases of high-flashpoint liquids and their flammability characteristics. Laboratory facilities are available to characterise and investigate the hazard posed by flammable hydrocarbons. Methods of mitigation are also of interest, in particular, the effect of water mist on large-scale uncontrolled combustion events. Experimental facilities specifically for investigating the influence of water vapour and water mists on hydrocarbon flames are available.
Transient Combustion Modelling
A range of models have been developed for investigating the characteristics of transient combustion phenomena. A variety of mathematical approaches have been utilised and are being developed, including perturbation techniques, CFD, variational approaches, phenomenological modelling.
Projects are available in these areas, but applicants need strong mathematical/analytical skills.
A 2MW optical furnace facilitates studies on liquid fuel combustion efficiency and environmental performance. Studies of pollutant formation are ongoing, including near-burner investigations. The projects may be of an experimental or computational nature, or mixture of the two.
As complimentary studies, methods of characterising and developing new atomisation techniques are ongoing. Experimental facilities for investigation include Phase Doppler Anemomety, Malvern Particle sizing (which can be used in transient mode) and novel particle sizing techniques. Atomisers studied include plain-orifice, pressure-swirl and various types of twin-fluid, and projects include work on primary and secondary atomisation, impingement, etc.. Atomisation via cloud chambers is a novel area of research, and a optical cloud chamber designed for generating fuel mists has been designed and calibrated. This is available for EUROFLAM project. Flame propagation and ignition/flammability studies for hydrocarbon vapour or mists can be undertaken on this facility.
Rigs and projects are available for evaluating the performance of vegetable oil, and bio-blends in terms of its atomisation, fuel and combustion characteristics. Future developments will involve utilise this knowledge to integrate biofuel within furnace and engine environments.
The environmental and health hazards associated with particulates generated from combustion process are currently not well understood, but are believed to be a major contributory factor in the dramatic increase in respiratory problems over the past 20 years. Projects are available to investigate methods of modelling particulate formation, and also accurate methodologies for generating and presenting data in terms of particulate characteristics.
A second line of research in this area is to investigate the viability of producing particulate carbon product (Carbon Black) as an alternative to the current wasteful practice of flaring waste (associated) gas. This work is undertaken in collaboration with the Environmental Engineering Division at Cardiff. A novel axial flow gas-fired carbon black furnace is being characterised and optimised, and a corresponding CFD model has been developed alongside.
Combustion and Laser Diagnostics
Various laser diagnostic techniques are under development in support of the afore-metioned projects. These include development of Laser Induced Fluorescent techniques, Laser Induce Incandescence for particulate modelling, Near Infra-Red Absorption for quantification of quantification of fuel vapour component in liquid two-phase systems, and optical particle sizing techniques. All are available as EUROFLAM projects.
Jet Breakup and Novel Atomisation Research
Very broad range of programmes available including superheated atomisation, effervescent atomisation, variety of twin-fluid atomisers, scale effects in atomisation, etc.. Transient and steady atomisation processes are considered, including breakup of liquid jets and ligaments, and single or multiple droplets. Projects are also available investigating the secondary atomisation processes of impingement and coalescence in the industrial context.
- Burner, gasifiers, combustors and gas turbine combustors modelling
- Predictions of oscillations in combustors, both stationary and gas turbine, using a variety of different fuels.
- 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.
- Prediction of engines and explosions.
- General description
- Modelling of a jet flow using FLUENT.
- Turbulent structures associated with jet flows
- Modelling of novel heat transfer surfaces using Fluent
- Experimental analysis of novel heat transfer surfaces
- Turbulent structure of swirl flows
- Thermal stress modelling of heat exchanger surfaces
- Droplet Coalescence and Break-Up
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For further information on the EuroFlam programme, mail to: info@euroflam.net
Page designed and executed by "Aristide Of St. Michael" in co-operation with Peter Roberts at IFRF NET,
Tony Griffiths at UWCC and Mario Graziadio at ENEL.
