Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “FUELS, ATOMIZATION”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 55 records · Page 3

Flame Structure Comparison using Jet-A and an isoparaffinic fuel in a lean direct injection flame tube combustor

This paper offers a first look at some recently acquired optical data. The effect of reference velocity on flame thickness, fuel atomization, and relative speciation of OH, CH, C2, and soot for two National Jet Fuel Combustion Program (NJFCP) fuels are explored in this paper. The NJFCP fuels are an average Jet-A, designated A-2 with a derived cetane number (DCN) of 49, and an isoparaffinic kerosene, C-4. C-4 fuel is made up primarily of C9 - C13, and C16 isoparaffins and is a combination of 60% Sasol IPK and 40% GEVO alcohol-to-jet (ATJ). C-4 has a DCN of 28. Both fuels begin distillation at about the same temperature, but C-4 completes about 30 degrees Celsius lower than A-2. Chemiluminescence images were acquired in a 5-atm gas turbine flame tube combustor using the NASA 7-point lean direct injector (LDI). The flame characteristics were determined through imaging with three scientific cameras. OH*, CH*, and C2* chemiluminescence were collected through narrow bandpass filters centered at 313nm, 430nm and 515nm onto an intensified high-speed camera framed at 8-kHz. A second high-speed camera collected color flame images at rates between 40 and 50 kHz. An ICCD camera framed at 20 Hz was used to record planar laser scatter from liquid fuel. Differences in speciation for the chemiluminescent species was observed between the two fuels. Some reasons for the differences are explored in this paper.

gas turbine combustion↗

Performance and durability of improved air-atomizing splash-cone fuel nozzles

An improved design of air-atomizing fuel nozzles was determined from a study of four differently shaped splash-cone fuel nozzles after 56 hr of durability testing in a combustor segment. Test conditions included fuel-air ratios of 0.008 to 0.018, inlet-air total pressures of 41 to 203 N/cm, inlet-air temperatures of 477 to 811 K, and a reference velocity of 21.3 m/sec. Flat-tip fuel nozzles showed the least erosion damage and at a combustor operating condition of 700 K and 101 N/sq cm an oxides-of-nitrogen emission index of 12 and a smoke number of approximately 18 with a fuel-air ratio of 0.018. Emission indices for carbon monoxide and unburned hydrocarbons were 44 and 16, respectively, at simulated idle conditions of 477 K and 41 N/sq cm.

Ingebo, R. D.↗

Aerodynamic-wave break-up of liquid sheets in swirling airflows and combustor modules

Experimental mean drop diameter data were obtained for the atomization of liquid sheets injected axially downstream in high velocity swirling and nonswirling airflow. Conventional simplex pressure atomizing fuel nozzles and splash type fuel injectors were studied under simulated combustor inlet airflow conditions. A general empirical expression relating recirprocal mean drop diameter to airstream mass velocity was obtained and is presented. The finest degree of atomization, i.e., the highest value of the coefficient C, was obtained with swirl can combustor modules (C = 15) as compared with pressure atomizing nozzles (C = 12).

Ingebo, R.↗

Aerodynamic-wave break-up of liquid sheets in swirling airflows and combustor modules

Experimental mean drop diameter data were obtained for the atomization of liquid sheets injected axially downstream in high velocity swirling and nonswirling airflow. Conventional simplex pressure atomizing fuel nozzles and splash type fuel injectors were studied under simulated combustor inlet airflow conditions. A general empirical expression relating reciprocal mean drop diameter to airstream mass velocity was obtained and is presented. The finest degree of atomization, i.e., the highest value of the coefficient C, was obtained with swirl can combustor modules (C = 15) as compared with pressure atomizing nozzles (C = 12). Previously announced in STAR as N83-23545

Ingebo, R.↗

Preliminary investigation of the altitude performance of pentaborane and a pentaborane : JP-4 blend in an experimental 9.5-inch-diameter tubular combustor

A preliminary investigation was conducted to determine the altitude performance of pentaborane and a blend fuel of 64.2 percent pentaborane in JP-4 fuel in a tubular combustor of a current production type turbojet engine. A combustor was developed that was 4 inches shorter than standard. It contained a porous wire-cloth liner barrel and dome and an air-atomizing fuel nozzle. Deposits on the liner barrel and dome were virtually nonexistent. The combustion efficiency of 90 to 94 percent for pentaborane and approximately 90 percent for the blend. Outlet temperature profiles were marginal; however, the developed combustor provided lower pressure losses than obtained in conventional combustors.

COMBUSTION - TURBINE ENGINES↗

Dropsize correlation for cryogenic liquid-jet atomization

Momentum transfer from high velocity nitrogen gas flow to liquid-nitrogen jets was investigated. A correlation of aerodynamic and liquid-surface forces with characteristic drop diameter was obtained for cryogenic liquid-jet breakup in Mach 1 gas flow. Nitrogen gas mass-flux was varied by using three differently sized two-fluid fuel atomizers with different nozzle diameters.

Ingebo, Robert D.↗

Dropsize correlation for cryogenic liquid-jet atomization

Momentum transfer from high velocity nitrogen gas flow to liquid-nitrogen jets was investigated. A correlation of aerodynamic and liquid-surface forces with characteristic drop diameter was obtained for cryogenic liquid-jet breakup in Mach 1 gas flow. Nitrogen gas mass-flux was varied by using three differently sized two-fluid fuel atomizers with different nozzle diameters.

Ingebo, Robert D.↗

Some Effects of Air Flow on the Penetration and Distribution of Oil Sprays

Tests were made to determine the effects of air flow on the characteristics of fuel sprays from fuel injection valves. Curves and photographs are presented showing the airflow throughout the chamber and the effects of the air flow on the fuel spray characteristics. It was found that the moving air had little effect on the spray penetration except with the 0.006 inch orifice. The moving air did, however, affect the oil particles on the outside of the spray cone. After spray cut-off, the air flow rapidly distributed the atomized fuel throughout the spray chamber.

Rothrock, A M↗

NASA 9-Point LDI Code Validation Experiment

This presentation highlights the experimental work to date to obtain validation data using a 9-point lean direct injector (LDI) in support of the National Combustion Code. The LDI is designed to supply fuel lean, Jet-A and air directly into the combustor such that the liquid fuel atomizes and mixes rapidly to produce short flame zones and produce low levels of oxides of nitrogen and CO. We present NOx and CO emission results from gas sample data that support that aspect of the design concept. We describe this injector and show high speed movies of selected operating points. We present image-based species maps of OH, fuel, CH and NO obtained using planar laser induced fluorescence and chemiluminescence. We also present preliminary 2-component, axial and vertical, velocity vectors of the air flow obtained using particle image velocimetry and of the fuel drops in a combusting case. For the same combusting case, we show preliminary 3-component velocity vectors obtained using a phase Doppler anemometer. For the fueled, combusting cases especially, we found optical density is a technical concern that must be addressed, but that in general, these preliminary results are promising. All optical-based results confirm that this injector produces short flames, typically on the order of 5- to-7-mm long at typical cruise and high power engine cycle conditions.

Hicks, Yolanda R.↗

Fuels and Combustion Technology for Advanced Aircraft Engines [Les Propergols et les Systèmes de Combustion pour les Moteurs d'Aéronefs]

The Conference Proceedings contains the 38 papers presented at the Propulsion and Energetics Panel 81st Symposium on "Fuels and Combustion Technology for Advanced Aircraft Engines" which was held from 10th-14th May 1993, in Fiuggi, Italy. The Technical Evaluation Report and the Keynote Address are included at the beginning, and discussions follow most papers. The Symposium was arranged in the following Sessions: Technology Overview Papers (2); Modelling: Pollutant Formation (4); Modelling: Combustor Design (5); High Temperature Fuels and Fuel Systems (6); Combustion Research: Performance (6); Combustion Research: Emissions (5); Fuel Atomization: Diagnostics and Modelling (5); and Combustion Research: Flowfleld and Mixing (4). The last paper is a contribution from Russia not allocated to a session. New technologies for low NOx combustors and advanced high-pressure/high temperature cycle engines result in unique problems in design and performance. There have been significant advances in modelling and diagnostics to aid the development of these technologies. The purpose of the Symposium was to bring together experts from industry, research establishments and universities to discuss fundamental and applied research in these areas as relevant to the development of advanced gas turbine engines, to exchange practical experience and to discuss the state of the art.

Fuels for aircraft↗

Performance of a small annular turbojet combustor designed for low cost

Performance investigations were conducted on a combustor utilizing several cost-reducing innovations and designed for use in a low-cost 4448-N thrust turbojet engine for commercial light aircraft. Low-cost features included simple, air-atomizing fuel injectors; combustor liners of perforated sheet; and the use of inexpensive type 304 stainless-steel material. Combustion efficiencies at the cruise and sea-level-takeoff design points were approximately 97 and 98 percent, respectively. The combustor isothermal pressure loss was 6.3 percent at the cruise-condition diffuser inlet Mach number of 0.34. The combustor exit temperature pattern factor was less than 0.24 at both the cruise and sea-level-takeoff design points. The combustor exit average radial temperature profiles at all conditions were in very good agreement with the design profile.

Fear, J. S.↗

Comparison study of fluorine/hydrazine engine concepts

The weight and performance were examined of 600 lbF thrust liquid-liquid and bimodal engines as chamber pressure, mixture ratio, contraction ratio, combustion chamber and nozzle lengths, area ratio, and operating duration were varied. Results show the bimodal engine to have a lower weight, shorter length, and slightly higher performance over the entire range of operating conditions. Advanced engine designs were also considered. It was determined that the weight of a bimodal engine with a ducted thrust chamber using hydrazine decomposition products for a combination of regenerative, inter-regen, and film cooling would be nearly independent of operating duration. The length of the combustion chamber of the liquid-liquid engine can be reduced by the incorporation of a splash-plate element transverse-platelet injector to obtain improved fuel atomization and vaporization. The use of this injector would result in the performance and weight of the liquid-liquid engine being virtually the same as that of the baseline bimodal engine.

Schindler, R. C.↗

Avco Lycoming/NASA contract status

The standards promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbon (HC), and oxides-of-nitrogen (NOx) emissions were the basis in a study of ways to reduce emissions from aircraft piston engines. A variable valve timing system, ultrasonic fuel atomization, and ignition system changes were postulated.

Duke, L. C.↗

Combustion of liquid sprays at high pressures

The combustion of pressure atomized fuel sprays in high pressure stagnant air was studied. Measurements were made of flame and spray boundaries at pressures in the range 0.1-9 MPa for methanol and n-pentane. At the higher test pressure levels, critical phenomena are important. The experiments are compared with theoretical predictions based on a locally homogeneous two-phase flow model. The theory correctly predicted the trends of the data, but underestimates flame and spray boundaries by 30-50 percent, indicating that slip is still important for the present experiments (Sauter mean diameters of 30 microns at atmospheric pressure under cold flow conditions). Since the sprays are shorter at high pressures, slip effects are still important even though the density ratio of the phases approach one another as the droplets heat up. The model indicates the presence of a region where condensed water is present within the spray and provides a convenient means of treating supercritical phenomena.

Shearer, A. J.↗

Soot and hydrocarbon formation in a turbulent diffusion flame

Formation and emission of soot and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PCAH) from a turbulent continuous flow combustor have been studied. Measurements included mass concentration of both soot and PCAH, composition of individual PCAH, and size distribution of soot particles, as a function of mixing intensity, fuel equivalence ratio and type of fuel (kerosene or benzene). Both soot and PCAH concentrations reach maxima early in the flame, after which PCAH decays rapidly and soot decays much slower. The maximum PCAH concentration always preceded that of soot in agreement with the concept that certain PCAH may serve as intermediates in soot formation. An approximate calculation based on the assumptions of local equilibrium with respect to soot formation and a Gaussian distribution of air-fuel mixedness gave satisfactory correlations of the data on soot formation at the higher cold gas velocity. At the lower velocity, the amount of soot and PCAH formed was drastically increased and strongly dependent on fuel atomization.

Prado, G. P.↗

Effect of airstream velocity on mean drop diameters of water sprays produced by pressure and air atomizing nozzles

A scanning radiometer was used to determine the effect of airstream velocity on the mean drop diameter of water sprays produced by pressure atomizing and air atomizing fuel nozzles used in previous combustion studies. Increasing airstream velocity from 23 to 53.4 meters per second reduced the Sauter mean diameter by approximately 50 percent with both types of fuel nozzles. The use of a sonic cup attached to the tip of an air assist nozzle reduced the Sauter mean diameter by approximately 40 percent. Test conditions included airstream velocities of 23 to 53.4 meters per second at 293 K and atmospheric pressure.

Ingebo, R. D.↗

Effect of airstream velocity on mean drop diameters of water sprays produced by pressure and air atomizing nozzles

A scanning radiometer was used to determine the effect of airstream velocity on the mean drop diameter of water sprays produced by pressure atomizing and air atomizing fuel nozzles used in previous combustion studies. Increasing airstream velocity from 23 to 53.4 meters per second reduced the Sauter mean diameter by approximately 50 percent with both types of fuel nozzles. The use of a sonic cup attached to the tip of an air assist nozzle reduced the Sauter mean diameter by approximately 40 percent. Test conditions included airstream velocities of 23 to 53.4 meters per second at 293 K and atmospheric pressure.

Ingebo, R. D.↗