Three-dimensional particle image velocimetry in a generic can-type gas turbine combustor

Abstract

The three-dimensional flow field inside a generic can-type, forward flow, experimental combustor was measured. A stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) system was used to obtain the flow field of the combustor in the non-reacting condition. In order for these measurements to be taken, an optically accessible combustor was manufactured. Contour maps of the velocity magnitude is shown which indicates the jet penetration depths while the streamlines show the recirculation zones and flow paths taken by the bulk flow from all inlets to the exit plane. Velocity vectors show the swirling action and the three-dimensional nature of the flow inside a combustor. This data can be used effectively as a test case for Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) studies due to the presence of all the flow features of the combustor.