Large eddy simulation of bluff body stabilized turbulent premixed flame

Abstract

A turbulent reacting flow in a channel with an obstacle was simulated computationally with large eddy simulation turbulence modeling and the Xi turbulent combustion model for premixed flame. The numerical model was implemented in the open source software OpenFoam. Both inert flow and reactive flow simulations were performed. In the inert flow, comparisons with velocity profile and recirculation vortex zone were performed as well as an analysis of the energy spectrum obtained numerically. The simulation with reacting flow considered a pre-mixture of propane (C3H8) and air such that the equivalence ratio was equal to 0.65, with a theoretical adiabatic flame temperature of 1,800 K. The computational results were compared to experimental ones available in the literature. The equivalence ratio, inlet flow velocity, pressure, flame-holder shape and size, fuel type and turbulence intensity were taken from an experimental set up. The results shown in the present simulations are in good agreement with the experimental data. © 2011 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc.