Structure of Low Stretched Non-Premixed Counterflow Flames Stabilized in Planar Channel: Mass Spectrometric Study and Numerical Simulation

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this paper, a methodology for experimental investigation of chemical and thermal structure of weakly stretched counterflow flames under terrestrial conditions is proposed. The non-premixed counterflow flames are stabilized in a narrow channel between quartz plates, and the flame gases are sampled by a microprobe inserted via a thin slit in one of the quartz plates. The gas samples are then analyzed by mass spectrometry. The results of the measurements of mole fraction profiles of the main components of methane-air non-premixed flames, namely, CH4, O2, H2O, CO2, and CO, are presented. The temperature profiles are also reconstructed using the measurement data for the gas composition. The experimental profiles are compared to the results of the 3D numerical simulations undertaken within the global reaction mechanisms (one- and four-step) and a detailed reaction mechanism (San-Diego). The results of this work clearly show that the thermal and chemical structures of the counterflow flame in the planar channel are essentially non-one-dimensional, and 3D-calculations are necessary to correctly predict the flame behavior in this configuration. The methodology demonstrated in the current work can be successfully employed for the investigation of the low stretched counterflow flames of various hydrocarbon fuels and fuel blends. This will allow verifying and developing the reaction kinetic models capable of quantitative prediction of weakly stretched flame behavior in confined conditions.