Efficient Multi-Scale Radiation Transport Modeling

Radiative transfer is of special importance in several applications from re-entry flows to rocket engines and air-breathing engines. Solution of the Radiative Transfer Equation (RTE), which is a complex integro-differential equation, places stringent requirements on the computational resources. Additionally, radiative transfer can occur over widely differing spatial scales further increasing the computational complexity. Hence efforts have to be made to develop efficient numerical algorithms and solvers to address issues of accuracy and computational time. Furthermore, there is a need to develop accurate physical models that include real gas effects such as non-ideal equations of state and frequency-dependent radiative properties for the participating medium. In this research, HyPerComp proposes to develop a high-performance, multi-physics, multi-scale computational platform to address a large class of problems involving radiative transfer. PWRFlow, an in-house unstructured, parallel continuum flow solver currently solves the RTE for turbulent reacting flows. This capability will be extended to solve the RTE from the optically thin to thick limits. Use of computationally efficient hybrid methods and accurate physical models will be developed as a part of this research effort. BENEFIT: The main focus of this STTR is to develop an understanding of the role of multi-scale radiative transport in turbulent reacting flows. Work done under this research will have applications in several technologies critical in aerospace propulsion, automobile engines and plasma processing reactors. Additionally, manufacturers of gas turbines and combustors along with the energy industry using coal/oil-fired furnaces will benefit from this research. HyPerComp envisions the development of a commercial suite of software tools to assist in combustion-based applications for general propulsive and chemical engineering applications. It is anticipated that such a commercial tool will be ready for marketing on the successful completion of Phase II of this STTR.