Extinction and reignition in a diffusion flame: a direct numerical simulation study

Abstract

The goal of this study is to provide a window into the physics of extinction and reignition via three-dimensional simulations of non-premixed combustion in isotropic decaying turbulence using one-step global reaction and neglecting density variations. Initially non-premixed fields of fuel and oxidant are developing in a turbulent field. Due to straining, the scalar dissipation rate is initially increasing and its fluctuations create extinguished regions on the stoichiometric surface. Later in the process, the stoichiometric surface again becomes uniformly hot. Besides using Eulerian data, this research applies flame element tracking and investigates the time history of individual points (‘flame elements’) along the stoichiometric surface. The main focus of the study is the discussion of the different scenarios of reignition. This paper identifies three major scenarios: independent flamelet scenario, reignition via edge (triple) flame propagation, and reignition through engulfment by a hot neighbourhood. The results give insight into the role different scenarios play in the reignition process, reveal the physical processes associated with each scenario, and provide the relative frequency of reignition for each scenario.