CFD simulation of a vortex-controlled diffuser for a jet engine burner

Abstract

A computational flow analysis of an ideal vortex-controlled diffuser (VCD) was carried out. The simulation model used is the compressible Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes equations(RANS), with the application of the RNG based k-ε turbulence model. The effects of important parameters like static pressure recovery, bleed fraction, position of bleed slot, have been studied and comparisons were made with respect to VCD without the bleed configuration and the following features were revealed: radial profiles of velocity at the inlet, mid-planes and exit planes, including diffuser effectiveness (i.e. static pressure recovery), diffuser efficiency, reattachment length and diffuser total pressure loss. Results obtained by applying the RNG turbulence model show an instantaneous improvement in the diffuser efficiency that happens at reasonably minimal suction rates. From the calculations, it has been verified and shown in the analysis that the effect of the bleed positioning offers advantages in relation to where it is located.