The effect of open-end ignition at different positions on the explosion behaviors of H2/CO/Air in variable cross-section pipe

Abstract

This work is focused on the explosion performance of syngas/air premixed gas in a self-designed variable cross-section pipe under varying ignition positions (IP1, IP2) and hydrogen volume fraction (α(H2)). Results show that α(H2) has a great influence on the propagation of the flame as well as the maximum flame front velocity (FFVmax) and the maximum overpressure (Pmax). As α(H2) in the syngas increases, the time the flame stays in the pipe is gradually reduced, the FFVmax as well as the Pmax increase regardless of the ignition position. Differently, when α(H2) < 50%, the tclosed at IP1 is shorter than that at IP2. The opposite is true when α(H2) ≥ 50%. This is attributed to the difference in flame velocity and the effect of film breakage. Both α(H2) and variable cross-section chamber structure all affect the evolution of the flame morphology. When ignition at IP2, a “M” flame is observed for the first time at α(H2) = 20%, and a flame resembling a “T” shape appears at α(H2) = 70%. Ignition positions have a great influence on overpressure oscillation. In the case of α(H2) = 15%, the Fourier transform is performed for the pressure curve. When ignited at IP1, secondary unstable oscillations occur during the later stage of flame propagation. However, when ignition at IP2, primary instability oscillations occur in both the early and late stages of flame propagation. The variable cross-section chamber structure plays a role in the flame front velocity (FFV) and overpressure. After the flame front enters the variable section chamber, the FFV reduces, and when the flame front leaves the variable section chamber, due to the sudden decrease of the cross-sectional area, the FFV increases significantly, and FFVmax and Pmax are obtained at this moment.