Mean flow fields in a confined isothermal flow downstream of an afterburner flame stabilizer

An experimental investigation of the three-dimensional confined flow fields behind a typical afterburner flame stabilizer is presented. The flame stabilizer comparises of one main ring V-gutter with twelve outer and six inner radial V-gutters, concentrically placed within a cylindrical pipe. Photography of the woollen tufts on the inter, outer and ring V-gutters clearly demonstrate the recirculation zones formed behind each of them. Five-hole pitot probe measurements along the entire length of the cylinder in three different azimuthal planes, allow the determination of three mean velocity components which provide comprehensive information to aid understanding of such complex flows. The time-mean velocity measurements presented here constitute a much needed data base for the validation of computer prediction codes and the development of turbulence models for their simulation. (Authors)