Numerical and experimental study of “tulip” flame formation in a closed vessel

Abstract

LDA measurements and numerical simulation of the velocity field generated during premixed laminar flame propagation in a closed duct explain the physical processes which cause the flame to form a cusp or “tulip” shape. The numerical model is based on hydrodynamics and does not include the effects of vorticity or pressure waves on the flame propagation. The close agreement between the numerical simulation and the experimental results indicates that the hydrodynamics of the combustion-generated flow is alone sufficient to cause a “tulip” flame.