Altitude-based CFD investigation of hydrogen combustion behavior in a jet engine combustor using real operational data
International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, cilt.214, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
- Cilt numarası: 214
- Basım Tarihi: 2026
- Doi Numarası: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2026.153669
- Dergi Adı: International Journal of Hydrogen Energy
- Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Artic & Antarctic Regions, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, Environment Index, INSPEC
- Anahtar Kelimeler: Altitude effect, CFD, Emissions, Gas turbine, Hydrogen combustion, Turbulence
- Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi Adresli: Hayır
Özet
Two-dimensional computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed at six representative flight levels (FL300, FL318, FL336, FL354, FL372, and FL390) using real engine-derived boundary conditions. The realizable RNG k–ε turbulence model coupled with the Eddy Dissipation Model was employed to resolve turbulence–chemistry interaction and altitude-specific effects on reactive flow, species transport, and emissions. The combustor geometry and mesh were held constant to isolate the impact of atmospheric variations. The realizable RNG k–ε turbulence model and Eddy Dissipation Model were employed to model turbulence–chemistry interactions within the reacting flow field. Results showed that decreasing ambient pressure and temperature with increasing altitude significantly reduce flame temperature, combustion efficiency, and turbulence kinetic energy. At FL390, the maximum flame temperature was approximately 2278 K, which is about 10.3 % lower than the peak value at FL300. Similarly, NO formation was markedly suppressed at higher altitudes, with a ∼37 % reduction in maximum NO mass fraction from FL300 to FL390, attributed to the temperature-dependent Zeldovich mechanism. The analysis also revealed diminished axial velocity and species conversion efficiency with altitude, indicating a weakening of core combustion intensity. These findings demonstrate the sensitivity of hydrogen combustion dynamics to altitude conditions and offer practical insights for the optimization of hydrogen-fueled aviation propulsion systems. The results reveal a clear trade-off between combustion efficiency and nitrogen oxide formation, where lower altitudes favor stronger combustion and higher NO emissions, while higher altitudes inherently suppress NO formation at the expense of reduced combustion intensity.