Effects of Main Swirl Direction on High -g Combustion

The use of high -g combustors promises to greatly decrease burner size and improve cost, weight, efficiency and durability of turbine engines . The latest design of the Ultra -Compact Combustor (UCC) is one such technology that utilizes swir l enhanced combustion at up to 10, 000 g’s . Recessed cavi ties create areas of flame stabilization and make possible the very low residence times experienced by this combustor. The use of turning vane passages simulates combustion in a turbine stator stage. Tests conducted at the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Atmospheric Pressure Combustion Research Center (APCRC) have studied the effect of the main swirl direction in the UCC using both standard and coal derived jet fuels. This research gives insight into the physics of the burner ’s operation.