Aero Propulsion and Power Technology

Metacomp Technologies, Inc. proposes to develop an innovative computational design technologyaimed at enhancing combustor efficiency. Using the advanced simulation tool CFD++, developedthrough partial SBIR funding from Wright Labs, the dynamical interaction among acoustics,flow unsteadiness, combustion and turbulence in combustors will be studied. This will lead to thelevel of understanding of the parameters affecting combustor performance necessary to buildthe design technology. Key elements in the proposed design tool are based on cuttingedge technologies developed by Metacomp such as LNS (Limited Numerical Scales, a hybridRANS/LES model), SRRR (Sub-scale Resolution using Recursive Reconstruction) and SGR (ScaleGeneration through Redistribution). LNS enables LES (Large Eddy Simulation) on relativelycoarse meshes, SRRR and SGR work in tandem to model turbulence/chemistry interactions.Coupled with high-order accuracy and dual-time stepping, these methodologies enable highfidelity simulation of unsteady, turbulent reacting flows, including acoustic oscillations,typical of combustor flows.This effort will impact the design of high performance combustors, leading to improvedefficiency of both military and commercial engines. Critical parameters affectingcombustor performance will be isolated, leading to a database necessary for designoptimization. The resulting design tool can be utilized in diverse areas from militaryaircraft engines through commercial jet power plants to power generators and incinerators.