Evaluation of altitude relight performance of multi-swirl spray flames by spark ignition model
Yuhui Zhu, Qianpeng Zhao, Cunxi Liu, Shaolin Wang, Kaixing Wang, Changlong Ruan, Lei Guo, Yushuai Liu, Fuqiang Liu, Jinhu Yang, Yong Mu, Gang XuThis paper proposes an improved spark ignition simulation method to assess the high-altitude relight performance of a multi-swirl staged combustor. A validated RANS-DPM framework provides the cold flow and spray fields. The ignition model incorporates a flame particle survival mechanism, improved droplet evaporation updating, and optimised ignition criteria. A novel combustor dome structure with a pressure atomiser (45°-S-4.0) is proposed. Results show that the optimal configuration improves ignition performance by 20–67% under 3–1% pressure drops at 8 km altitude and extends the successful ignition ceiling from 8 to 10 km. The proposed method effectively captures key mechanisms of high-altitude spray flame ignition, providing a practical design tool for aero-engine combustors.