Pulsation-amplitude-dependent flame dynamics of high-frequency thermoacoustic oscillations in lean-premixed gas turbine combustors

Frederik M. Berger, Tobias Hummel, Bruno Schuermans, Thomas Sattelmayer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

2 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper presents the experimental investigation of pulsationamplitude-dependent flame dynamics associated with transverse thermoacoustic oscillations at screech level frequencies in a generic gas turbine combustor. Specifically, the flame behavior at different levels of pulsation amplitudes is assessed and interpreted. Spatial dynamics of the flame are measured by imaging the OH chemiluminescence signal synchronously to the dynamic pressure at the combustor's face plate. First, linear thermoacoustic stability states, modal dynamics, as well as flame-acoustic phase relations are evaluated. It is found that the unstable acoustic modes converge into a predominantly rotating character in the direction of the mean flow swirl. Furthermore, the flame modulation is observed to be in phase with the acoustic pressure at all levels of the oscillation amplitude. Second, distributed flame dynamics are investigated by means of visualizing the mean and oscillating heat release distribution at different pulsation amplitudes. The observed flame dynamics are then compared against numerical evaluations of the respective amplitude-dependent thermoacoustic growth rates, which are computed using analytical models in the fashion of a noncompact flame-describing function. While results show a nonlinear contribution for the individual growth rates, the superposition of flame deformation and displacements balances out to a constant flame driving. This latter observation contradicts the state-of-the-art perception of root-causes for limit-cycle oscillations in thermoacoustic gas turbine systems, for which the heat release saturates with increasing amplitudes. Consequently, the systematic observations and analysis of amplitude-dependent flame modulation shows alternative paths to the explanation of mechanisms that might cause thermoacoustic saturation in high frequency systems.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationCombustion, Fuels and Emissions
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
ISBN (Electronic)9780791850848
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017
EventASME Turbo Expo 2017: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition, GT 2017 - Charlotte, United States
Duration: 26 Jun 201730 Jun 2017

Publication series

NameProceedings of the ASME Turbo Expo
Volume4A-2017

Conference

ConferenceASME Turbo Expo 2017: Turbomachinery Technical Conference and Exposition, GT 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityCharlotte
Period26/06/1730/06/17

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Pulsation-amplitude-dependent flame dynamics of high-frequency thermoacoustic oscillations in lean-premixed gas turbine combustors'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this