Numerical Simulation of a Turbulent Lean, Premixed Combustion with an Explicit Algebraic Stress Model

A computational model is used in the present paper to study the influence of the turbulence modeling on the chemical species in a turbulent lean premixed flame. The simulated configuration is about a lean, premixed bluff-body-stabilized flame with a recirculation zone. To achieve the objectives, three different models were used for turbulence modeling as listed next: 1) standard k-ε, 2) a Reynolds Stress Turbulence Closure and 3) a state of the art Explicit Algebraic Stress Model. Comparisons with experimental data are made in terms of velocities, temperatures, as well as major and minor species. As a result, predictions show that species such as CO and OH are strongly affected by the turbulence model; whereas other species such as NO are affected slightly. On the other hand the Explicit Algebraic Stress Model offers noticeable improvements over existing models.