Mutual synchronization of self-excited acoustic oscillations in coupled thermoacoustic oscillators

Chen, G., Li, Z., Tang, L. and Yu, Z. (2021) Mutual synchronization of self-excited acoustic oscillations in coupled thermoacoustic oscillators. Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics(54), 485504. (doi: 10.1088/1361-6463/ac2064)

Abstract

Synchronization refers to the adjustment of rhythms of two nonidentical oscillators due to interaction. In this study, we report for the first time on the ability of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate the synchronization of self-sustained acoustic oscillations in two coupled thermoacoustic (TA) oscillators that interfere with each other through acoustic radiation. A bifurcation diagram containing both asynchronous and synchronous states is first mapped out by changing the end-to-end distance and the resonator length difference. It is found that the two TA oscillators are analogous to mutually coupled van der Pol oscillators with reactive coupling. Then, the dynamic characteristics of beating and periodic oscillations in asynchronous and synchronous states are analysed separately to facilitate the comprehension of the synchronization process. This research demonstrates that the CFD methodology provides a valuable numerical tool for studying the synchronization of thermally induced acoustic oscillations in TA systems.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: Financial support from the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (no. 3203002101C3) is acknowledged.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Yu, Professor Zhibin and CHEN, GENG
• Authors: Chen, G., Li, Z., Tang, L., and Yu, Z.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Journal Name: Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics
• Publisher: IOP Publishing
• ISSN: 0022-3727
• ISSN (Online): 1361-6463
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2021 IOP Publishing
• First Published: First published in Journal of Physics D: Applied Physics 54:485504
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher