Numerical study of the impact of operative conditions on combustion emissions

Problem Definition: There is a lack of tools able to predict the emissions (including minor species and soot) which are expected at the outlet of a LRE combustion chamber. There is a lack of understanding and guidelines about specific design choices that could help reducing specific emissions. The challenge is that combustion gas composition results from a coupling between several complex mechanisms: the high-pressure chemical kinetics, the turbulent reactive flow and the high thermal losses at the wall.
Research Objectives:

Definition of species that must be tracked and how to compare experimental and numerical data
LES simulations of DLR reference experiment will be carried out to validate the numerical framework
Specific attention will be given on the choice of appropriate thermal wall boundary conditions, including possible conjugate heat transfer, and on the study of the local impact they may have on the flame behaviour and on pollutant generation
Data will be provided as inputs to DC8 for the nozzle plume simulations
Parametric studies will be carried out varying the O/F and the mass flow rate (featuring throttleable engine conditions) in a reasonable range to investigate the impact on the emissions
Results will be provided to WP4 (DC13) for tuning of global models

Expected Results:

A suitable LES framework for the estimation of species composition inside and at the outlet of CH4/O2 LRE combustion chamber, validated against experimental data provided by DC3
Emission data as output for other DCs
The impact of O/F and pressure (representing different operating phase of the engine) over the emissions

Secondments:

Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR, Hardthausen, Germany, ca. 4 months): analysis experimental data for numerical setup and validation
ArianeGroup SAS (AGF, Les Mureaux, France, ca. 2 months): exchange with industrial partners on available experimental data and numerical models

Benefits:

You will be working within our international group of > 30 researchers with experience in a broad range of sciences.
You will get in contact with the other members of this international consortium.
You will benefit from the well-structured training program offered by the host institution and the SLICE consortium to develop skills and thorough understanding of space transportation systems and their environmental impact.
You will be employed by the host organization for 36 months.
You will participate in international conferences and secondments to other organisations within the SLICE network and in outreach activities targeted at a wide audience.
A competitive salary according to MSCA regulations (see page 118ff, https://ec.europa.eu/info/funding-tenders/opportunities/docs/2021-2027/horizon/wp-call/2023-2024/wp-2-msca-actions_horizon-2023-2024_en.pdf ), including a living allowance, a mobility allowance and, if eligible, a family allowance. The stated allowances represent the gross funding amounts. Employer contributions to social security, health insurance, and other statutory costs will be deducted in accordance with the applicable national regulations.



Please find additional information in the Information package for Marie Curie fellows in doctoral networks (https://op.europa.eu/s/z831).