Three-dimensional, Rotational Flamelet Closure Model with Two-way Coupling

A new flamelet model is developed for sub-grid modeling and coupled with the resolved flow for turbulent combustion. The model differs from current models in critical ways. (i) Non-premixed flames, premixed flames, or multi-branched flame structures are determined rather than prescribed. (ii) The effects of shear strain and vorticity are determined. (iii) The strain rates and vorticity applied at the sub-grid level are directly determined from the resolved-scale strain rates and vorticity without a contrived progress variable. (iv) The flamelet model is three-dimensional . (v) The effect of variable density is addressed. Solutions to the multicomponent Navier-Stokes equations governing the flamelet model are obtained. By coordinate transformation, a similar solution is found for the model, through a system of ordinary differential equations. Vorticity creates a centrifugal force on the sub-grid counterflow that modifies the molecular transport rates and burning rate. Sample computations of the rotational flamelet model without coupling to the resolved flow are presented first to demonstrate the importance of the new features. Scaling laws are presented for relating strain rates and vorticity at the sub-grid level to quantities at the resolved-flow level for coupling with large-eddy simulations or Reynolds-averaged flows. The time-averaged behavior of a simple turbulent flow is resolved with coupling to the rotational flamelet model. Specifically, a two-dimensional, multicomponent, time-averaged planar shear layer with variable density and energy release is employed using a mixing-length description for the eddy viscosity. Needs for future study are identified.