Numerical Simulation Study on the Feasibility of Cyclone PIV Tracer Particle Seeder in Microgravity

Xianzhang Peng, Huilong Zheng (), Yu Fang, Xiaoyang Lan, Xiaofang Yang and Xiaowu Zhang
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Xianzhang Peng: Fluid Machinery Engineering Technology Research Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Huilong Zheng: Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Yu Fang: Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Xiaoyang Lan: Fluid Machinery Engineering Technology Research Center, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang 212013, China
Xiaofang Yang: Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Xiaowu Zhang: Institute of Engineering Thermophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 7, 1-21

Abstract: The Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) Unit in the Combustion Science Experimental System (CSES) aboard the China Space Station (CSS) is designed for flow field measurements in microgravity combustion experiments. However, the lack of a reliable microgravity-compatible tracer particle seeder has hindered its practical application. To address this issue, the cyclone PIV particle seeder was proposed and evaluated through steady and transient numerical simulations using the Reynolds Stress Model (RSM) and Eulerian multiphase model to assess the effects of geometric parameters, gravity, and particle accumulation on flow characteristics and particle seeding performance. Ground-based cold jet and premixed combustion PIV experiments were also conducted. Results show that while the flow field of the cyclone particle seeder is generally similar to conventional cyclone separators, localized differences exist. Traditional optimization strategies of cyclone separators may not be applicable, while a longer vortex finder improved particle seeding performance compared to the shorter configuration and the guide vane design. By combining numerical simulations and experiment results, this study demonstrates the feasibility of using the cyclone particle seeder under microgravity conditions, provides key theoretical support for optimizing cyclone seeders, and enables flow field measurements in future microgravity combustion experiments aboard the China Space Station.

Keywords: China Space Station; microgravity; combustion diagnosis; Particle Image Velocimetry; Reynolds Stress Model; Eulerian multiphase model; aerosol generation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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