Effects of Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities on turbulent premixed flames in a curved rectangular duct

Large-eddy simulations are used to demonstrate the effects of Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities (RTIs) on constant-pressure, turbulent premixed flames stabilized in a curved rectangular duct. A splitter plate constant radius separates reactant and pilot stream such that flame stabilizes mixing layer between two streams. Centrifugal acceleration due duct curvature induces RTI, increasing higher-density with lower-density stream. In both non-reacting reacting flows, resulting thickness grows at rates comparable those unconfined RTIs until occupies approximately half duct, which point walls limit growth rate. The conservative equations modified artificial body forces negate centrifugal effect (and RTI) isolate impact geometry. comparison without RTI shows increases speed primarily through increased surface area. also range local stretches curvatures. suggest viable mechanism increase gas turbine engines though application flow path curvature.