The mean and turbulent flowfields in a model RQL gas-turbine combustor

This paper presents a study of the flow patterns typical of ''Rich-burn, Quick-quench, Lean burn'', RQL, gas-turbine combustors based on detailed velocity measurements of the flow in a water model of a can-type combustor. The flow split along the model combustor has been adequately established in order to simulate the real combusting flows. A laser-Doppler velocimeter has been used to analyse the development of the axial, radial and tangential, mean and turbulent velocity components along the combustor and the results are provided for the rich, quench and lean zones. The analysis includes consideration of four different combustor configurations, which allowed to perform a parametric study in terms of the flow boundary conditions and flow split. The intensity of the primary recirculation zone, the penetration of the dilution jets and the uniformity and swirl level of the flow at the outlet of the model are studied for the various configurations, and the related implications for the design of practical combustors are discussed.