Complex physical interactions which characterize reacting 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 database, extensive testing, and empirically-based estimates of performance. Researchers have developed a direct simulation mixing and chemical reaction process with a stochastic model. This model will be applied to analyze a laminar flame and compare the numerical results with existing experimental data to gain confidence in the model. Furthermore, the full-simulation code will be adapted to the parallelprocessing architecture. The modified-simulation code will be implemented in a multiprocessor workstation network to provide an economical design tool for the industry. The application of this concept will provide an acceptable engineering approximation to actual finite-rate mixing and chemical reaction in reacting flows, a practical alternative to the use of more sophisticated numerical method, and an essential capability for the design of next-generation 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 heaters to industrial boilers and high-performance propulsion systems. The development of the direct simulation-workstation will take advantage of the parallel-processing concept. A resultant model will be computationally efficient and economical to operate in a wide variety of computer networks.
