Large Eddy Simulation of Spark Ignition in a Gas Turbine Combustor

Ignition in an aircraft gas turbine combustion chamber is simulated using Large Eddy Simulation (LES) in conjunction with the filtered probability density function (pdf) equation approach, which is solved using the Eulerian stochastic field method. The LES-pdf methodology is used for both dispersed (liquid) and gas phases. The liquid phase is described using a Lagrangian formulation whilst an Eulerian approach is employed for the gas phase. The spark energy deposition was mimicked by a distributed energy source term added to the enthalpy equation. Unsuccessful and successful ignition sequences have been simulated and the results suggest that spark ‘size’ is an important parameter in the ignition of kerosene fuelled combustion chambers.