Condensation in the phase space and network topology during transition from chaos to order in turbulent thermoacoustic systems

Abstract

The emergence of oscillatory dynamics (order) from chaotic fluctuations is a well-known phenomenon in turbulent thermoacoustic, aero-acoustic, and aeroelastic systems and is often detrimental to the system. We study the dynamics of two distinct turbulent thermoacoustic systems, bluff-body and swirl-stabilized combustors, where the transition occurs from the state of combustion noise (chaos) to thermoacoustic instability (order) via the route of intermittency. Using unweighted complex networks built from phase space cycles of the acoustic pressure oscillations, we characterize the topology of the phase space during various dynamical states in these combustors. We propose the use of network centrality measures derived from cycle networks as a novel means to characterize the number and stability of periodic orbits in the phase space and to study the topological transformations in the phase space during the emergence of order from chaos in the combustors. During the state of combustion noise, we show that the phase space consists of several unstable periodic orbits, which influence the phase space trajectory. As order emerges in the system dynamics, the number of periodic orbits decreases and their stability increases. At the onset of oscillatory dynamics, the phase space consists of a stable periodic orbit. We also use network centrality measures to identify the onset of thermoacoustic instability in both the combustors. Finally, we propose that the onset of oscillatory instabilities in turbulent systems is analogous to Bose-Einstein condensation transition observed for bosons, if we define phase space cycles as particles and the periodic orbits as energy levels.