Calculation of the effect of a constant electric field on the gas dynamics and nitrogen oxide emission in a laminar diffusion flame

Abstract

A laminar methane diffusion flame in a constant electric field whose direction is opposite to that of the velocity of the gas flow from the burner nozzle is considered. The mathematical model used includes the complete system of Navier-Stokes equations for the velocity and passive admixture concentration fields, the charge transport equation, together with the Poisson equation for the self-consistent electric field, and the chemical kinetic equations for a thin combustion zone. The calculations show that the flame shortens and its thickness increases in the root zone when an electric field is imposed. This effect is accompanied by a reduction in the nitrogen oxide emission, while is consistent with the experimental data.