Soot Prediction in a Model Aero-Engine Combustor using a Quadrature-based Method of Moments

Numerical simulations of aero-engine combustors are extremely challenging due to the complex multiscale and multiphysics phenomena involved. Currently, reliable modeling and prediction of soot particle formation produced during incomplete hydrocarbon combustion is one of the major issues in combustion research. The next generation of gas turbines for more sustainable aircraft engines must meet strict limitations for soot particle mass and size distribution. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of the processes leading to soot particle formation and its precise prediction in practical combustion systems is crucial. In this work, a recently developed detailed soot model, the Split-based Extended Quadrature Method of Moments (S-EQMOM), is applied to simulate a model aero-engine combustor, experimentally investigated by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). In previous studies, the S-EQMOM demonstrated good prediction capability in predicting soot particle oxidation, important to account for the reduction of soot particles. Here, the model is evaluated at elevated pressure conditions. Large eddy simulations are performed using flamelet-based tabulated chemistry with artificially thickened flame (ATF) approach coupled with the S-EQMOM. The simulation results are analyzed for both the gas phase and soot solid phase and compared with the experimental data. Velocity and temperature fields are well predicted. Soot formation is underestimated by the simulation, but qualitatively in good agreement with the experimental data.