Unraveling Turbulent NH3/H2 Flames Using High Performance GPU Computing: A Series of Spectral Element Method-Based High-Fidelity DNS

Ammonia-hydrogen blends are crucial for future carbon-free combustion systems, with staged-combustion technologies like rich-quench-lean being proposed to minimize emissions. However, the combustion behavior of turbulent rich ammonia-hydrogen mixtures is not well understood, particularly regarding phenomena like partial cracking, hydrogen slip, and post-flame stratification. Recent HPC advancements, particularly in GPU-based systems, enable combustion DNS beyond academic configurations. Utilizing nekCRF, a new GPU-based spectral element solver based on nekRS, we perform finite-rate chemistry DNS of a rich, turbulent premixed jet flame. The analysis focuses on NH3 /H2 interaction, revealing residual H2, minimized NH3 slip, and enhanced heat release through turbulent mixing. By leveraging GPU acceleration and employing a novel spectral element solver, this research not only advances our understanding of ammonia combustion but also showcases a paradigm shift in computational efficiency, offering a promising avenue for developing sustainable energy solutions.