Large Eddy Simulation of Reacting Flow in a Hydrogen Jet into Supersonic Cross-Flow with Adaptive Mesh Refinement

This work focuses on large eddy simulation of transverse hydrogen jet mixing and combustion process in supersonic crossflow. Combustion is modeled using a finite rate chemistry model with a 9-species hydrogen/air reaction mechanism. A large eddy simulation (LES) model is developed in the CONVERGE code and is validated against experimental data using mean wall pressure and OH mass fraction contours. Adaptive mesh refinement (AMR) is employed to replicate results within the desired accuracy while limiting the model to fewer computational cells. The AMR process taken involves refining the local grid size to allow for capturing the thin flow, flame, and shock wave structures. A detailed analysis of the shock and turbulent structures is conducted to determine their effects on combustion enhancement and flame stabilization. The high reactivity of hydrogen gas presents a large danger regarding industrial applications and low-cost simulations can help mitigate that risk.