Sensitivity analysis for premixed, laminar, steady state flames

Abstract

We are involved in the modeling of premixed, laminar, one-dimensional, steady state flames. Such models require a large number of input parameters, the values of which may have large uncertainties. To determine the importance of a given input parameter in evaluating an output function, it is useful to be able to perform a sensitivity analysis. We have developed a computer program to do this for any given flames. The output functions are expressed as Taylor expansions. Both first- and second-order sensitivity coefficients can be computed. As a test case, a sensitivity analysis was carried out for a set of H 2O 2N 2 flames. The computed sensitivity coefficients show clearly which mechanisms are important for a given flame. By considering the second-order coefficients and by comparing expansions with exact solutions, some conclusions are reached about the range over which the linear expansions are reasonably accurate. Expansion in terms of the logarithm of the output functions is also considered, and is more accurate in many cases.