Chemiluminescence Measurements in a Combustor Using a 7-Point Lean Direct Injector Array Configuration for Gas Turbine Engine Applications

Two different configurations of a 7-point lean direct injector array were investigated. Chemiluminescence images of C2* or CH* were collected during combustion tests for insight on flame structure for the two configurations. Several inlet conditions were tested by varying the equivalence ratio or reference velocity. For the center right-hand 60 degree and outer right-hand 52 degree outers, the chemiluminescence emanating from the central pilot appeared well isolated from the outers. At the same time, a hollow region below the pilot showed little fluctuation of chemiluminescence where a central recirculation zone was present during the non-reacting tests. The central left-hand 60 degree and outer right-hand 52 degree configuration displayed a narrower structure from the pilot compared to the flatter pilot observed in the other configuration. Additionally, the right-handed outer swirlers may be responsible for the asymmetry observed with the chemiluminescence images. Both configurations showed less variation in chemiluminescence intensity as the reference velocity was increased. This was likely due to better atomization and vaporization associated with higher fuel and air flow rates.