Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) of a Turbulent Premixed Flame Stabilized on a Bluff Body

ABSTRACT As the demand for net‐zero emissions intensifies, low‐emission fuels (LEFs) are increasingly explored for their potential to reduce pollutants in combustion systems. The present study investigates the flame dynamics and pollutant emissions (CO and NOx) of different LEFs using detached eddy simulations (DES), a method that offers better predictions of turbulent flames compared to Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) approaches in reacting flows. DES is closed by the ‐ Shear Stress Transport (SST) and conventional Smagorinsky subgrid‐scale (SGS) models. The turbulence‐chemistry interaction scheme is treated using the Eddy Dissipation Concept (EDC) model in combination with a skeletal mechanism. It assumes that reactions occur in small dissipative eddies, which are on the order of the Kolmogorov scale. Three different reduced reaction mechanisms, for propane‐air, methanol‐air, and hydrogen‐air, are used within the industrial code ANSYS‐Fluent. To validate the model, the propane‐air mechanism was first taken as a benchmark, analyzing in detail velocity, temperature, and some post‐flame products. The velocity and temperature profiles show significant differences among the flame types, with hydrogen exhibiting higher velocities and more intense chemical reactions. The analysis reveals that NOx and CO concentrations increase with a higher inlet temperature. Propane flames have higher emissions, while methanol flames lead to the lowest pollutant level.