Objectives
The main objective of ESTiMatE is to develop a modelling strategy and advanced simulation software for the study of soot formation in aero-engines. The project is defined to aid the aeronautical industry to better understand and characterise pollutant emissions at engine-relevant conditions.
Methodology
ESTiMatE proposes a multidisciplinary approach based on the study of kinetics, experiments and CFD to develop a reliable soot model that can provide good predictions for pollutants emissions in the aeronautical sector. The success of the project requires a global and interdisciplinary approach where all the key aspects are treated by dedicated and permanently interacting teams. With this objective, different teams are created to cover all the important aspects and activities of the project: model development, simulation, validation, soot measurements in test rigs and efficient code implementation.
The ESTiMatE approach is focused on four different areas:
- Reference experiments: experiments in laminar conditions and moderate pressure will be conducted in counter flow diffusion flames, while turbulent counter flow and swirling-stabilised flames with liquid fuel injection will be provided for validation of spray breakup models, multiphase reacting flow and soot formation.
- Primary breakup: development of a phenomenological primary breakup model from high-fidelity numerical simulations of air blast atomisers.
- Soot model development: study of the fundamental mechanisms associated with soot formation and oxidation. It includes the study of chemical kinetics of the fuel surrogate, the identification and characterization of the precursors and PAHs, the soot oxidation chemistry and the growth rate of particles.
- Turbulent combustion modelling: The project proposes several approaches to evaluate the impact of the combustion model on the soot predictions at different flow conditions. This will provide fundamental knowledge on emissions prediction and strategies for mitigation.