Flow field studies in an afterburner

In this paper, reacting flows in an aero-engine afterburner are analyzed using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Numerical calculations are performed using semi-implicit method for pressure-linked equation (SIMPLE) algorithm with unstructured grid arrangement. RNG k-ε model is used for turbulence while the combustion phenomenon is modelled using probability density function (PDF) approach. Analysis has been carried out on a 60° sector model of the afterburner. Optimization with respect to air-fuel ratio has been done in order to minimize the pressure loss through afterburner and to obtain appropriate pattern factor. From the study it is found that pressure drop reduces for leaner mixtures whereas the pattern factor increases with increase in air-fuel ratio.