An experimental and numerical investigation of flame propagation in converging-diverging microchannels

Sayan Biswas, Pei Zhang, Haifeng Wang, Li Qiao

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Propagation and extinction behavior of CH4/air premixed flame passing through straight and converging-diverging (C-D) microchannels (diameters ranging from 1 to 10 mm) were investigated both experimentally and numerically. The dynamic behavior of flame propagation inside the channels was experimentally studied by using CH* chemiluminescence and direct imaging. Three patterns of flame propagation were observed, i.e., the flame can survive, partially extinguish and then re-ignite downstream, or completely extinguish. Regime diagrams showing these different patterns as functions of channel geometry and equivalence ratio were generated for both the straight and C-D channels. Numerical simulations were carried out to explain the experimentally observed flame dynamics inside the channels using a detailed CH4/air chemistry. In general, flames were easier to extinguish in C-D channels than in straight channels for a fixed channel diameter and equivalence ratio. Additionally, flames were harder to survive in C-D channels with larger exit-to-throat area ratios. Both heat loss and flame stretch were key factors that can generally cause flame extinction in narrow C-D channels.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc, AIAA
ISBN (Print)9781624105241
DOIs
StatePublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes
EventAIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, 2018 - Kissimmee, United States
Duration: Jan 8 2018Jan 12 2018

Publication series

NameAIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, 2018

Conference

ConferenceAIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, 2018
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityKissimmee
Period01/8/1801/12/18

Funding

This work was supported by the National Science Foundation with Dr. Song-Charng Kong as the technical monitor.

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