Catalytic ignition by external energy flux: Steady state analysis

Abstract

This paper deals with the steady state catalytic ignition of premixed gases over a flat plate of finite thickness. An external heat flux is added to the plate to facilitate the ignition process. The influence of the finite thermal conductivity of the plate on the catalytic ignition is evaluated in the two distinct limits of the reduced Damköhler number of order of unity and much less than unity. In the case of the reduced Damköhler number of order of unity, the chemical reaction is important over the whole length of the plate. The results obtained previously without external energy flux are reproduced. In the case of the reduced Damköhler number much less than unity, which is of practical interest, the chemical reaction is important only in a narrow zone close to the trailing edge, except for very high thermal conductivity of the plate. Analytical expressions are obtained for the critical external heat flux required to produce the catalytic ignition.