Numerical investigation of the effect of reaction models on the supersonic combustion of liquid kerosene

In the study, the effect of reaction models on the numerical simulation of supersonic combustion of liquid kerosene is investigated. The multi step flamelet scheme (with 46 species and 167 reactions) and single step reaction model have been used to carry out the three-dimensional, compressible, and reacting flow calculations in a full-scale supersonic combustor with staged cavities. Menter’s SST k-w turbulence model is utilized to simulate the turbulence. The results from the two reaction models are compared from multiple perspectives. Axial variation of mass fractions of the main products and intermediate species is presented to inquire into the heat release process, and distribution of OH radical specifies the auto-ignition position of the fuel. Meanwhile, the influence of reaction models upon the flowfield characteristics is analyzed through profiles of dimensionless total temperature and Mach number. Mixing efficiency, combustion efficiency and total pressure loss coefficient are used to assess the overall combustor performance, and combination of the first two is capable to point out that the region of heat release is controlled by mixing or chemical kinetics. Profiles of wall static pressure predicted by the two reaction models are compared with the experimental values and a reasonable agreement is seen among them.