Methane Flames Research Articles

Investigation of the Minimum Ignition Energy Required for Combustion of Coal Dust Blended with Fugitive Methane

Ventilation Air Methane (VAM) significantly contributes to global warming. Capturing and mitigating these emissions can help combat climate change. One effective method is the thermal decomposition of methane, but it requires careful control to prevent explosions from the high temperatures involved. This research investigates the influence of methane concentration and coal dust particle properties on the minimum ignition energy (MIE) required for fugitive methane thermal decomposition and flame propagation properties. This knowledge is crucial for the mining industry to effectively prevent and mitigate accidental fires and explosions in VAM abatement plants. Coal dust samples from three different sources were selected for this study. Experiments were conducted using a modified Hartmann glass tube and a Thermal Gravimetric Analyser (TGA). The chemical properties of coal dust were determined through ultimate and proximate analysis. The particle size distribution was determined using a Mastersizer 3000 apparatus (manufactured by Malvern Panalytical, Malvern, UK). The results showed that the MIE is significantly affected by coal dust particle size, with smaller particles (<74 µm) requiring less energy to ignite compared to coarser particles. Additionally, blending methane with coal dust further reduces the MIE. Introducing methane concentrations of 1% and 2.5% into the combustion space reduced the MIE by 25% and 74%, respectively, for the <74 µm coal dust size fraction. It was observed that coal dust concentration can either raise or lower the MIE. Larger coal dust concentrations, acting as a heat sink, reduce the likelihood of ignition and increase the MIE. This effect was noted at a methane concentration of 2.5% and coal dust levels above 3000 g/m3. In contrast, small amounts of coal dust had little impact on MIE variation. Moreover, the presence of methane during combustion increased the upward flame travel distance and propagation velocity. The flame’s vertical travel distance increased from 124 mm to 300 mm for a coal dust concentration of 300 g·m−3 blended with 1% and 2.5% methane, respectively.

A Numerical Analysis of Premixed Hydrogen–Methane Flame with Three Different Header Types of Combustor

A Numerical Analysis of Premixed Hydrogen–Methane Flame with Three Different Header Types of Combustor

Assessment of OH femtosecond thermally assisted fluorescence thermometry for hydrogen non-premixed flames

In this work, we further developed the planar temperature measurement method based on thermally assisted laser-induced fluorescence (TALF) with a single femtosecond (fs) laser and investigated the temperature distribution in the nitrogen-diluted oxygen–hydrogen cross-jet non-premixed flames at 1 kHz. Fs-TALF thermometry was firstly calibrated and assessed in a series of unconfined methane/air laminar flames at atmospheric pressure. In the calibration process, although the calibrated energy difference between OH v′ = 0 and 1 energy level was different from the theoretical value, the measured fluorescence ratio accurately reflected the temperature change from 1600 K to 2200 K in different methane flames. By comparing the calculated OH fluorescence spectrum, we believed that the main reason was the overlap of the OH (1-1) and (0-0) fluorescence bands. After the calibration, experiments were conducted with changing hydrogen flow velocity from 60 to 100 m/s and constant oxidizer flow velocity, where the dilution ratio, D varies from 0.46 to 0.7, and the equivalence ratio, ϕ, varies from 0.5 to 0.9. It is found, within the calibration range, fs-TALF thermometry can correctly measure the flame temperature. However, with ϕ further increases, the difference between the measured and theoretical temperatures gradually increases. At the same time, it was noted that the error in the measured temperature rises gradually as D decreases. In conclusion, fs-TALF thermometry can measure turbulent non-premixed hydrogen flames accurately in a range of temperature with acceptable temporal and partial resolution, while the errors within 200 K and spatial resolution is 170μm. The main error source should be the collisional effect due to the different local concentration of N2 and H2O. The results of this work will contribute to the further development the temperature measurement method hydrogen turbulent flames.

Numerical investigation of lean methane flame response to NRP discharges actuation

This study investigates the response of a laminar methane-air flame to Nanosecond Repetitively Pulsed (NRP) discharges in a canonical wall-stabilized burner using a combined experimental and numerical approach. The flow and flame behaviors were modeled using Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) with an Analytically Reduced Chemistry for a precise chemical description. A phenomenological model incorporating detailed plasma kinetics and experimental observations was developed to simulate plasma effects. Zero-dimensional plasma reactor simulations were used to build up a reduced-order model describing discharge energy distribution in the specific conditions studied. Experimental measurements of electrical profiles identified two discharge regimes: a low-energy Corona discharge and a higher-energy Glow discharge, characterized by distinct spatial energy distributions. Experimental flame response analysis revealed three major phases: marginal response up to 100 pulses, a downstream shift of the flame tip, and stabilization after 400 pulses. Numerical simulations indicated that the Corona regime is crucial for explaining initial flame responses, while the Glow regime influences later stages. Adjustments in the Vibrational-Translational (VT) energy relaxation time and energy deposition ratios between fresh and burnt gases were necessary to match experimental observations. Additionally, an accurate modeling of the transient and steady-state flame responses requires integrating both the specificity of the Corona and the Glow discharge regimes. Future work should focus on measuring or theoretically calculating N2(v) relaxation times in CH4-H2O-CO2 mixtures and analyzing the spatial energy distribution of discharges interacting with flames to enhance plasma-combustion coupled models.Novelty and significanceIn this work, a phenomenological plasma-assisted combustion model has been developed, to investigate a laminar premixed stagnation plate burner, focusing on VT energy relaxation time and spatio-temporal energy distribution modeling. For the first time, not only O2, N2 and O but also the fuel and combustion intermediates and products have been considered in the VT relaxation model. It revealed their strong influence on the overall flame response in a case where the discharge crosses a flame front, highlighting the strong beneficial effect of energy deposited in vibrational form. The study questions and investigates the energy distribution from fresh to burnt gases, challenging the conventional uniform energy distribution assumption. The experimental identification of two specific plasma regimes was necessary to predict the transient flame response. Additionally, energy deposited downstream of the flame, in fresh gases, was found to more efficient than in hot gases to enhance combustion.

Effect of H[formula omitted] addition on NH[formula omitted] flame structure and dynamics in a mixing layer

Hydrogen addition has been widely used to improve the combustion performance of low-reactivity fuels such as NH3. In this study, a series of two-dimensional NH3/H2 flames in mixing layers were investigated numerically. The aim is to assess and interpret the effects of H2 addition on the structure and dynamics of ammonia flames. Detailed chemistry and transport models were considered in the simulations. It was shown that for pure hydrogen or ammonia flames, a classical tribrachial structure was observed. The non-premixed branch in the tribrachial flame of NH3 combustion features high heat release rate (HRR), while the two premixed branches are weak. The mixture fraction corresponding to the maximum HRR of NH3 combustion is significantly lower than the stoichiometric mixture fraction. When blending ammonia with hydrogen, a tetrabrachial flame structure consisting of two premixed branches and two non-premixed branches was observed, where one non-premixed branch corresponds to the reaction of NH3, while the other is formed due to the reaction of H2. It was suggested that the formation of the tetrabrachial flame is related to the preferential diffusion of hydrogen. After decreasing artificially the diffusivity of hydrogen to suppress the preferential diffusion effect, the flame exhibits only three branches with the merging of the two non-premixed branches. By analyzing the flame dynamics at the leading edge, it was found that the flame speed (Sd∗) is negatively correlated with the flame stretch (κ) and scalar dissipation rate (χ), with Sd∗ decreasing almost linearly with κ or χ, consistent with previous studies of methane and hydrogen flames. As the H2 concentration is increased, the values of Sd∗ increase due to the enhanced reactivity.

Experimental and numerical studies of NO reduction by ammonia in different methane flame positions

Blending ammonia with methane for combustion can reduce carbon emissions and improve the flame characteristics of ammonia combustion. However, blending ammonia with methane can easily lead to high concentrations of NOx emissions. This study investigates the impact of different ammonia and methane blending methods on the flame structure and NOx emission by experiments and CFD numerical simulation. The results indicate that simultaneous injection of ammonia and methane through the central fuel tube significantly alters the combustion flame structure and leads to high concentrations of NOx emission. As the ammonia ratio increases, the flame structure transitions from a bright flame to a layered flame with an inner yellow conical small flame surrounded by a light-colored outer flame. When the ammonia ration increases from 0 % to 20 %, NOx emission increase from 15 ppm to 323 ppm, nearly 22 times higher. When ammonia is injected into the methane flame from flame side, the flame above the injection position appears as an orange flame, and a significant reduction in NOx emission is obtained. When the ammonia ratio is 20 % and injected at heights of 20 mm 40 mm, and 60 mm above the fuel exit, the outlet NOx concentrations are 183 ppm, 140 ppm, and 153 ppm respectively, this represents reductions of 43.3 %, 56.6 %, and 52.6 %, respectively. The numerical simulation results indicate that the injection of ammonia leads to the formation of higher concentrations of NH2 and super-vapor H2O, resulting in an orange color flame. The gas temperature and oxygen concentration play a crucial role in NOx emissions. NOx emission is lowest when ammonia is injected into the higher temperature, lower oxygen environment at 40 mm.

The effect of sodium chloride on the charge state of soot particles in a laminar diffusion flame

This study investigates the effect of sodium chloride on the charge state of soot nanoparticles formed in a laminar diffusion flame by measuring the soot particle size distribution, average charge per particle, and charge fraction at various heights within the flame. The well-studied Santoro burner with methane as the fuel (at 0.35 L/min) and co-flow air (at 70 L/min) was used, which produced a stable laminar diffusion flame with flame height of 61 mm. Samples of soot nanoparticles were extracted via a 0.3 mm orifice in a 3-mm stainless steel tubular probe at various heights above the burner and were immediately diluted by a factor of a few thousand for aerosol measurement. The effect of sodium chloride on a methane flame was investigated by comparing the experimentally measured data for methane-only and methane-NaCl flames. The addition of NaCl particles to the laminar diffusion flame did not have a significant effect on the particles in the nucleation region of the flame. The majority of the incipient soot particles in both flames are uncharged, and their sizes are nearly the same, with diameters of approximately 5 nm or less. However, the size of soot particles differs by approximately 10 % to 25 % between methane-only and methane-NaCl flames in the coagulation-dominated region of the flame. The net charge on soot particles within the coagulation region of the methane-only flames is negative, while it is positive with NaCl addition. The fraction of charged particles and ion concentration decreases with NaCl addition within the coagulation region. The study indicates that the smaller particle size observed in methane-NaCl flames may be attributed to reduced coagulation via altered particle charge states. These factors could be the major contributor to the variations in soot formation between methane-only and methane-NaCl flames. Novelty and Significance StatementThis research addresses a notable knowledge gap concerning the influence of NaCl, a prevalent component of hydraulic fracturing fluids, on soot particle behaviour in flames. By explaining the impact of NaCl on soot formation and charge states, the findings contribute to a deeper understanding of combustion processes in environments influenced by hydraulic fracturing operations, thereby informing strategies for reducing emissions and improving environmental sustainability in energy production. Overall, this article represents a significant advancement in the field of combustion science, with implications for environmental stewardship in energy production.This study provides valuable insights into how the introduction of NaCl alters the electrostatic properties of soot particles. This investigation expands upon existing knowledge by shedding light on the intricate mechanisms underlying soot formation and evolution in the presence of NaCl, elucidating its potential implications for combustion processes involving fossil fuels and industrial flaring.

The effects of acoustic disturbances and mechanical vibration on laminar premixed flames: A comparative study

The energy conversion between the combustion process and acoustic waves is very complex in high-performance propulsion systems, which may trigger large-amplitude combustion instabilities, potentially leading to severe vibration or structural damage. Both acoustic disturbances and mechanical vibration are found to be able to cause the combustion instability, but their differences on the influence of laminar premixed flames are still unknown. In this paper, a premixed methane flame burner was disturbed by either a loudspeaker or an electromagnetic vibration exciter, and the effects of their forcing frequencies and amplitudes on the dynamic responses of the premixed methane flame were evaluated. Specifically, the unsteady heat release rate was measured by a photomultiplier tube, and the flame dynamic behaviors were captured by a high-speed camera with image intensifier. Furthermore, the acoustic disturbances upstream of the flame was measured by the two-microphone method, and the structure vibration was measured by an accelerometer. Then, the flame transfer functions were obtained at various equivalence ratios and mean flow velocities. The results demonstrated that the premixed flame exhibited obvious band-pass filtering characteristics when subjected to external forcing, whether through a loudspeaker or an electromagnetic vibration exciter. In addition, increasing either acoustic or structure excitation amplitude to a large extent can make the flame respond in a nonlinear manner. However, when the flame was subjected to mechanical vibration, the peak frequency corresponding to the maximum gain of the flame transfer function had minimal sensitivity to variations in equivalence ratios and mean flow velocities. In contrast, the acoustic disturbances were more likely to induce the nonlinear flame responses and flame front wrinkling.

Regional polarity in the laminar premixed flame considering the combined effect of positive and negative charge

The study of flame charge is helpful in analyzing the combustion regime, which is significant for optimizing energy conversion in the combustion. In this article, a method to calculate the charge density considering polarity (CDCP) for flame is presented. The charge in the flame local area is obtained by combining the effect of charged particles with positive and negative polarity. The CDCP in different zones of the premixed methane flame with three equivalence ratios of 0.9, 1.0, and 1.3 is measured in the Langmuir probe measurement experiment. The experiment result found that the regional polarity is shown in the premixed flame. Subsequently, the premixed methane flame was simulated using Fluent, and then the simulation distribution of CDCP in the premixed methane flame was obtained. The CDCP and polarity across the reactant, preheat, reaction, and product zones of the premixed flame are analyzed based on the experiment and simulation results. The CDCP of the reaction zone is greater than 0 C/m3 and reaches a peak, showing obvious positive polarity. The CDCP of the reactant zone is less than 0 C/m3, showing negative polarity. The CDCP changes rapidly from less than 0 C/m3 to greater than 0 C/m3 with the approach of the reactant zone to the preheating and reaction zones. The CDCP in the product zone gradually decreases with the increase of the distance from the reaction zone and finally less than and close to 0 C/m3, showing weak negative polarity. Finally, the cause of regional polarity formation is discussed based on the net production rate of charged particles and the velocity distribution of the flow field in the simulation results. The distribution of positive ions and electrons in the premixed flame is different due to the effect of the flow field and the different diffusion properties of charged particles. Thus, the regional polarity is exhibited in the premixed flame.

Comparison of the Temperature, Radiation, and Heat Flux Distribution of a Hydrogen and a Methane Flame in a Crucible Furnace Using Numerical Simulation

Comparison of the Temperature, Radiation, and Heat Flux Distribution of a Hydrogen and a Methane Flame in a Crucible Furnace Using Numerical Simulation

Background-Oriented Schlieren For The Detection Of Thermoacoustic Oscillations In Flames

Thermoacoustic oscillations are well known to combustion engineers. They are not only a cause of concern, but also give hope to be able to operate aircraft engines with hydrogen, due to flame stabilization and significant reduction of NOx emissions when thermoacoustically excited. The aim of this work is to investigate the potential of using a heterodyne background-oriented schlieren (HBOS) technique to detect thermoacoustic oscillations in the density field of an acoustically excited flame. It also seeks to address the issue of accuracy due to the small amplitude of thermoacoustic oscillations compared to turbulent density fluctuations in a flame. The experiment uses an unconfined swirl-stabilized methane flame and investigates thermoacoustic oscillations at about 3.4 kW power at ambient conditions excited by a siren at 225 Hz. The HBOS technique recently presented by the authors uses a carrier fringe system in background-oriented schlieren recordings, with subsequent analysis using evaluation techniques known from holographic interferometry. These fast algorithms reduce turbulence noise by phase averaging a large number of images. To derive local data from the line-of-sight projections, an inverse Abel transform is applied. Laser interferometric vibrometry is used to calibrate to the observed oscillations. A comparison with data from chemiluminescence is also presented to better demonstrate the application of this efficient technique to the detection of heat release oscillations. Future tasks in this project will deal with full-scale test benches and machine learning tools to address the limited observations in them.

A proposal for a combustion model considering the Lewis number and its evaluation

The purpose of this research is to develop a combustion model that can be applied uniformly to laminar and turbulent premixed flames while considering the effect of the Lewis number (Le). The model considers the effect of Le on the transport equations of the reaction progress, which varies with the chemical species and temperature. The distribution of the reaction progress variable is approximated by a hyperbolic tangent function, while the other distribution of the reaction progress variable is estimated using the approximated distribution and transport equation of the reaction progress variable considering the Le. The validity of the model was evaluated under the conditions of propane and iso-octane with Le ≠ 1 and methane with Le = 1 (equivalence ratios of 0.5 and 1). The estimated results were found to be in good agreement with those of previous studies under all conditions. A method of introducing a turbulence model into this model is also described. the validity of the model is confirmed by a comparison with the experimental results of a turbulent methane flame. It was confirmed that the model is in good agreement with experimental results and other turbulence models, and represents approximately a conventional turbulence model.

Effect of methane flow in inverse diffusion flame and surface morphology on synthesis of copper–carbon nanotubes composite

ABSTRACT In an inverse diffusion flame of fuel-rich methane–air mixture, a distinct separation between a yellow flame situated atop a high-temperature blue flame structure enabled the growth of carbon nanotubes on relatively low melting temperature copper substrates within a carbon-rich precursor environment. However, high-affinity passivation layers formation on copper prevented the diffusion of carbon precursors, rendering the growth of carbon nanotubes on copper challenging. Removal of passivation layers via sulphuric acid treatment facilitates the synthesis of carbon nanotubes within the flame. Nevertheless, the impact of sulphuric acid treatment on the surface morphology of copper, and its influence on the growth of carbon nanotubes in the presence of methane–air mixtures, remains relatively unexplored. This research investigates the effects of sulphuric acid treatment and methane–air mixtures towards the growth of carbon nanotubes on copper substrates. Application of sulphuric acid treatment yields a surface characterised by high surface area-to-volume nano-hills morphology, which enhances the adsorption of carbon atoms and leads to the growth of carbon nanotubes with lifted copper nanoparticles. The optimal growth of carbon nanotubes occurs at a specific methane flow rate, where the supply of carbon precursors aligns with the diffusion of carbon atoms and growth rate of carbon nanotubes.

In-situ two-dimensional temperature measurements using x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy in laminar flames with high silica particle concentrations

X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) was used to measure temperatures and study mixing, for the first time in silica particle synthesis flames. Hexamethyldisiloxane (HMDSO) and trimethylsilanol (TMSO) were the particle precursors. A multi-element diffusion burner was used to produce a flat methane flame, and the precursors, dilute in inert gas, were injected via a central jet. Krypton was the fluorescent medium at 3.2 % concentration by volume. Scans with Kr in the central flow and not in the main flow were made to assess the mixing effects between the central and main gas flows. When HMDSO or TMSO were added, a secondary diffusion flame formed between the jet and the main methane flame. The results revealed a dramatic change in the centerline temperature profile of the jet gases when HMDSO or TMSO were added. The main methane flame stoichiometry also affected the temperature profiles. The results show HMDSO and TMSO reactions are initiated in a low-temperature and low-oxygen concentration region of the jet where thermal decomposition is not expected to be significant. Reaction of the particle precursors is therefore attributed to radical transport from the main methane flame. In the current work, particle number densities of up to 270 g/m3 locally are estimated. Thus, the study also demonstrates the capability of the XRF technique for high spatial fidelity measurements in flames with high concentrations of condensed-phase particles, leveraging the attribute that the XRF signal is generally not impacted by condensed-phase interferences. The observations and data obtained in this study inform likely reaction pathways for this important class of siloxane compounds.

Flame structure and stability for gradient magnetic field enhanced non-premixed combustion of highly diluted methane with nitrogen

Efficient utilization of low calorific value fuels is challenging due to their limited burning rates and stability. This study explored the use of upward-increasing magnetic fields as a novel approach to enhance flame stability in such conditions, focusing on non-premixed highly diluted methane flames with nitrogen. Employing a vertical burner, magnetic intensities were varied to observe their impact on laminar jet diffusion flames. This research revealed that the gradient magnetic fields significantly modify flame characteristics. At lower magnetic intensities, the influence on flame structure, temperature, and stability was minimal. However, as magnetic intensity increased, notable changes in flame features such as height, shape, and thermal distribution were observed, suggesting a threshold intensity beyond which the magnetic influence becomes pronounced. The research further demonstrated that gradient magnetic fields could enhance the blow-out concentration limit, indicating an effective strategy for managing combustion in diluted fuels. The findings provide valuable insights into magnetic fields' role as a control mechanism, offering potential advancements in combustion technology and contributing to the broader pursuit of energy efficiency and reduced emissions in industrial applications.

Investigation of differential diffusion in lean, premixed, hydrogen-enriched swirl flames

Hydrogen combustion is a promising alternative to fossil fuel combustion in an effort to reduce our carbon footprint. However, hydrogen combustion is prone to thermodiffusive instabilities largely dependent on differential diffusion, a phenomenon that can lead to higher probabilities of flashback in industrial burners, given hydrogen’s high reactivity and diffusivity. This paper evaluates low-swirl flames of methane and air enriched with hydrogen to highlight the onset of differential diffusion. Testing was conducted in a fully controllable swirl burner, where bulk velocity Uav = 13 m/s and swirl number S = 0.6 were kept constant for each hydrogen–methane blend to isolate increases in flame surface area from increases in turbulence intensity. Furthermore, each fuel blend of hydrogen and methane is evaluated at the same laminar flame speed of SLo = 0.267 m/s to isolate flame stretch effects on the turbulent burning rate. Combined hydroxyl (OH) PLIF and stereoscopic PIV at the National Research Council of Canada were used to analyze the OH fluorescence in a 2D-3C velocity field for each flame condition. High-speed PIV at McGill University was used to resolve local flame phenomena, such as local flame displacement velocity and flame stretch rate. Using these techniques, it can be observed that the flame displaces axially in response to turbulent flame speed while exhibiting increases in flamefront wrinkling. This increased corrugation due to flame stretch is highlighted in the PDFs of local curvature and κSf and is further evidenced by a shift towards positive curvatures (κ> 0) for increasing H2 volume fraction. This trend suggests that there is a strong correlation with increases in turbulent burning rate and positive curvature as a result of differential diffusion, but it is not necessarily a control mechanism of the most forward propagating points proposed by the theory of leading points.

Experimental investigation of the effect of the electromagnetic field on the stability of the hydrogen enriched methane flame under acoustic enforcement

ABSTRACT The current research has investigated the effects of magnetic fields on molecular structures, especially on flame formation, flame behavior and emission gases. This study particularly examines the phenomenon of combustion instability and emission characteristics of CH4 and CH4/H2 fuels under lean combustion conditions and under external acoustic forcing. Conducted within a combustor utilizing premixing and swirl techniques, experiments strategically generated magnetic fields in specific regions: the burner input, pre-mixer, and fuel supply lines. Trials maintained a constant magnetic field intensity of 3500 gauss, with a thermal output of 3 kW, swirl number of 1, and equivalency ratio of 0.7. Evaluation of acoustic resonance was performed at 95 Hz and 175 Hz frequencies within the combustion chamber. Findings suggest that applying a magnetic field positively impacts the combustion process, reducing instabilities in fuels like CH4 and CH4/H2, especially at a 95 Hz frequency. During pure methane combustion, CO emissions initially measured 4785 ppm but decreased to 4143 ppm under the magnetic field’s influence. Introducing the magnetic field to the pre-mixer increased CO emissions to 4233 ppm, while its application to the fuel line reduced emissions to 4104 ppm. For the CH4/H2 fuel mix, CO emissions decreased from 2638 ppm to 1961 ppm with the magnetic field, indicating improved combustion and reduced pollutant gases, including CO and NOx. This study highlights the potential of magnetic fields to improve combustion efficiency and address environmental concerns.

Influence of slit asymmetry on blow-off and flashback in methane/hydrogen laminar premixed burners

One way to decarbonize the heat production sector is to gradually replace natural gas with hydrogen. The design of laminar premixed burners capable of operating with both methane and hydrogen is however challenging as these fuels have drastically different burning properties, which narrows the operating range. While methane flames face limitations in stabilization due to blow-off at high power, hydrogen flames tend to be susceptible to flashback at low power. This study investigates the effects of slits symmetry breaking on the blow-off of methane flames and flashback of hydrogen flames through two-dimensional direct numerical simulations of canonical asymmetrical slit configurations, revealing uneven interactions between the main openings and smaller auxiliary slits. The equations governing the reactive flow dynamics are coupled to a heat transfer solver in the solid phase to elucidate the thermal and hydrodynamic mechanisms determining the operability limits. Viscous dissipation in the small auxiliary slits together with a substantial preheating of the fresh gases by heat redistribution through the solid phase is found to govern flame stabilization in asymmetrical geometries, improving blow-off resistance of methane-air flames. Then, flashback of hydrogen-air flame is found to be driven by the competition between (i) the mass flow rate distribution between the main and auxiliary slits, (ii) preheating of the gas through the auxiliary slits and (iii) the ability of the main and auxiliary slits to quench the flame. The interplay of these phenomena gives rise to complex behaviors, wherein asymmetrical configurations could exhibit significantly enhanced resistance to flashback compared to symmetrical geometries. This conclusion, verified for different burner thicknesses and slit spacing, may be used to guide the design of fuel-flexible laminar burners.Novelty and significance statement1. Analyzing the effect of slits symmetry breaking on blow-off of methane flames and flashback of hydrogen flames for multi-perforated laminar burners.2. Defining a strategy for wall heat flux redistribution to assess the asymmetrical interaction between the main and auxiliary flames through the flame-holder.3. Demonstrating and explaining the positive impact of symmetry breaking on the blow-off resistance of methane flames.4. Highlighting the substantial and non-monotonous impact of symmetry breaking on hydrogen flame flashback.5. Identifying the interplay of thermal and hydrodynamic mechanisms in asymmetrical slits leading to improvement of flashback resistance for hydrogen-air flames compared to symmetrical configurations.

Development of Equivalence Ratio Measurement Model of Premixed Methane Flames Using Hyperspectral Imaging of C2* and CH* Chemiluminescence and Random Forest Algorithm

ABSTRACT The C2*/CH* model is often used to measure the equivalence ratio of combustion. But only the band of C2*(0,0) at 516.5 nm of the C2* swan band system was employed as the input of the C2*/CH* model for equivalence ratio measurement. The relations of other components of the C2 swan band system with flame equivalence ratios and their impact on this equivalence ratio measurement are unreported. In this study, the visible emission spectrum of premixed methane flame, ranging from 425 to 700 nm, was measured/obtained by a hyperspectral imaging system under equivalence ratios from 0.72 to 1.52. The influence of the C2* swan bands on the C2*/CH* model was analyzed, and the intrinsic characteristics of the C2* swan bands were found. After that, a more sensitive soft measurement model for equivalence ratio measurement based on the ratio of C2*(0,0)/C2*(2,0) was proposed. The monotonicity and stability of the proposed model were discussed. At last, the proposed model was further validated by the random forest (RF) algorithm.

Hierarchical higher-order dynamic mode decomposition for clustering and feature selection

This article introduces a novel, fully data-driven method for forming reduced order models (ROMs) in complex flow databases that consist of a large number of variables. The algorithm utilizes higher order dynamic mode decomposition (HODMD), a modal decomposition method, to identify the main frequencies and associated patterns that govern the flow dynamics. By incorporating various normalization techniques into an iterative process, clusters of variables with similar dynamics are identified, allowing the classification of different instabilities and patterns present in the flow. This method, known as hierarchical HODMD (h-HODMD), has been thoroughly tested in the development of ROMs using three different databases obtained from numerical simulations of a nonpremixed coflow methane flame. The effectiveness of h-HODMD has been demonstrated as it consistently outperforms HODMD in terms of modeling and reconstructing flow dynamics using a reduced number of modes. Additionally, the clusters of variables identified by h-HODMD reveal the algorithm's ability to group chemical species whose behavior is consistent from a kinetic perspective. h-HODMD allows for the construction of inexpensive reduced dynamical models that can predict flame liftoff, identify the occurrence of local extinction and blowout conditions, and facilitate control purposes.