Research on Unsteady Flow Mixing Characteristics of Centripetal Wave Rotor Combustor

Abstract The centripetal wave rotor combustor can better match the centrifugal compressor and the axial turbine of the reference machine, reduce the size of the engine and simplify the transition section structure. In this paper, we use numerical simulations to investigate the effects of blade shape and blade deflection angle on the unsteady flow mixing characteristics of the centripetal wave rotor combustor and complete the optimization of its structure. It is shown that in all designed channels, flow separation is present. The circumferential shear forces and pressure gradient forces contribute to the uneven distribution of the mixture within the channel, and their effects are irremovable. When the blade curve is tangent to the line connecting the endpoint of the inner diameter and the rotor center, it facilitates a particular configuration. This blade shape can enhance the uniformity of the fuel-air mixture distribution within the channel. The blade deflection angle has little effect on the fuel-air mixture distribution, the pressure distribution, and the prepressurization effect in the channel. Changing the width-to-diameter ratio of the channel, or the size of the ports and the phase difference can improve the distribution of the fuel-air mixture in the channel, and both of them are also the key factors affecting the prepressurization effect.