Complex physical interactions which characterize combusting flows have precluded the development of a generalized combustor design methodology. State-of-the-art numerical models are limited in their ability to perform economical engineering estimates or to evaluate innovative system concepts. Consequently, the design of high performance combustors relies heavily on an experience data base, extensive testing, and empirically based estimates of performance. Energy International proposes to directly simulate mixing and chemical reaction processes with a stochastic model, adapt this simulation to a fluid turbulence code, and then implement the full simulation in a multiprocessor workstation to provide an economical design tool for high intensity combustors. The feasibility of the concept will be determined in Phase I by developing and validating the simulation framework and identifying potential vendors of multi-processor hardware. Phase II will evaluate the numerical performance of the full combustion simulation for specific reacting flow problems, and then implement it in a multiprocessor workstation to produce a prototype design tool. The application of these concepts will provide an acceptable engineering approximation to actual finite-rate mixing and chemical reaction in combusting flows, a practical alternative to the use of more sophisticated numerical methods, and an essential capability for the design of nextgeneration combustion systems.The potential commercial application as described by the awardee: The need for this design tool exists in both the public and private sector. Commercial applications of the combustion simulation range from small residential space heaters to industrial boilers and dryers to high performance propulsion systems. The development of the direct simulation-workstation concept will immediately increase the availability of combustion engineering tools and the ability of engineers to make timely design choices.
