Large eddy simulation on combustion noise in a non-premixed turbulent free flame: Effect of oxygen enhancement

Present work examines the effect of a low-level oxygen concentration enhancement in the oxidizer stream, on the generation of direct combustion noise in a non-premixed turbulent free flame. A hybrid approach utilizing a large eddy simulation, partially stirred reactor combustion model, and Lighthill analogy was employed to predict the sound pressure level in the farfield of the flame. Contributions of different noise sources, including heat release rate and, mole consumption and production rate fluctuations are calculated to predict the sound pressure level in the farfield. Results show that, in comparison to the flame burning with air, the higher temperature in oxygen enhanced flame leads to an increase in the heat release rate and an increase in the rate of consumption and production of the species. The total sound pressure level found to increase by adding oxygen to the oxidizer stream, especially in low frequency ranges. Enhancement of molar oxygen by 10%, increases the noise contribution of the heat release rate fluctuations about 20 dB in low frequency range, and about 10 dB in high frequencies. Additionally, the noise contribution from the mole consumption and production rate decreases about 5 dB in low frequency range and 10 dB in high frequencies.