SBIR Phase II: A Newton-Krylov Based Solver for Modeling Finite Rate Chemistry in Reacting Flows

Reaction Engineering International, Midvale UT

Investigators

Abstract

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will develop computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modeling technology that uses state-of-the-art techniques for modeling finite rate chemistry in chemically reacting turbulent flows with recently developed numerical methods for solving systems of non-linear equations. In Phase I an improved CFD solver was developed that used reduced chemical kinetic mechanisms to model finite rate chemistry effect and solved the resulting stiff system of partial differential equations with a matrix-free Newton-Krylov method. In Phase II two Newton-Krylov based CFD tools will be developed, one to model combustion from turbulent, diffusion flames and the second to model turbulent, pre-mixed flames. The commercial potential for this work is the electric power industry, designers and builders of commercial chemical plants, and designers of chemical process heaters and other industrial furnace applications.