Flame front imaging and ignition performance of ultra-compact trapped-vortex combustor

In this study, the flame dynamics and ignition performance of a novel ultra-compact trapped-vortex combustor, the ARC-S1, is investigated. Time-averaged OH* chemiluminescence was used to visualize flame anchoring and distribution inside the combustor. High-speed OH* PLIF imaging was conducted at two spanwise locations along the combustor cavity at 1∼3 atm, revealing an axial shift in flame distribution along the cavity vortex as pressures increased. The ignition performance of the ARC-S1 was investigated at atmospheric pressure, with air injection temperatures of 25° and 10°C, using a conventional spark igniter and an experimental plasma igniter. At lean operating conditions, plasma ignition exhibited up to a 45% reduction in Eign, although negligible improvements were observed from nominal to rich operating conditions.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2025

Author dc:creator

• Yoon, Joshua

Contributors dc:contributor

• Lee, Tonghun

• Flame Dynamics, Compact Combustor, Flame Imaging

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2025 Joshua Yoon

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/132697

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/132697