The report gives results of an experimental investigation of the effects of the interaction between physical and chemical processes on pollutant formation and destruction in a liquid-fuel, turbulent-diffusion flame burner. The effects of fuel type, inlet air swirl, inlet air temperature, and combustor pressure on the spray characteristics and the time-mean and fluctuating flow field structure were determined, using probing and optical techniques. Changes in the spray and flow field structure were correlated with changes in pollutant emissions from the burner. The investigation showed that varying these operating parameters produces major changes in spray dynamics, vaporization rates, and time-averaged fuel/air distribution within the burner which significantly influence energy release rates and pollutant formation and destruction. Significant differences were found between the mean velocities of the gas and fuel droplets which likely influence droplet vaporization rates and mixing of the vaporized fuel and air.

Prepared by United Technology Research Center, East Hartford, Conn., under contract no. 68-02-1873, ROAP no. 21BCC-014, program element no. 1AB014. Includes bibliographical references (pages 134-136).

Phase I. Gaseous fuels -- Phase II. Liquid fuels.