Control of flame dynamics by nanosecond repetitively pulsed discharges

Wednesday 18 January 2017 - Wednesday 18 January 2017

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Prof. Deanna Lacoste

Clean Combustion Research Center at KAUST

Abstract:

Combustion instabilities are a serious problem for the design of modern combustion chambers in aero-engines and land-based gas turbines for power generation. One promising approach to suppress the high-amplitude pressure pulsations associated with these thermoacoustic instabilities is based on active control of the system dynamics. Previous studies have demonstrated the capability of numerous methods, including acoustic forcing and fuel injection modulation. However, the applicability of these methods in full-scale engines remains limited, mainly because of restrictions in available actuator technology and performance.This seminar will focus on the evaluation of non-equilibrium plasma discharges to control flame dynamics. First, the proof-of-concept that Nanosecond Repetitively Pulsed (NRP) discharges can be used as an actuator for active control of combustion instabilities, will be presented. However, while this preliminary study was promising, it appears that the coupling between plasma and flame dynamics remains unclear. In a second part, some recent studies on the fundamental understanding of this coupling, will then be exposed.

Location : von Karman Institute for Fluid Dynamics, Waterloosesteenweg 72, 1640 Sint-Genesius-Rode, Main Conference Room