Experimental evaluation of anti-sound approach in damping self-sustained thermoacoustics oscillations

Self-sustained thermoacoustics oscillations most often arise due to the coupling between unsteady heat release and acoustic waves. The large-amplitude oscillations are wanted in thermoacoustic engine systems. However, they are undesirable in many other systems such as aero-engine afterburners, rocket motors, ramjets, and gas turbines, since the oscillations may become so intense that they cause structural damage and costly mission failure. In this work, we experimentally investigate the "anti-sound" approach in damping Rijke-type thermoacoustic oscillations by actuating a monopole-like sound source. For this, four different least-mean-square (LMS) algorithms are used to determine the "anti-sound" signal to drive the actuator. Comparison is then made. It is found that the LMS-based "anti-sound" approach is able to minimize the thermoacoustic oscillations, even when the operating conditions are slightly changed. Sound pressure level is reduced by 45 dB. Finally, a numerical model is developed to gain insights on the interaction between the monopole sound source and the system. Unsteady heat release from the flame is assumed to be caused by its surface variations resulting from the oncoming acoustic fluctuations. By linearizing the flame model and recasting it into the classical time-lag N - τ formulation, the thermoacoustic system transfer function is calculated. Compared with the experimental measurement by injecting a broad-band white noise, good agreement is obtained.