An experimental study was made of the structure of the laminar counterflow diffusion flame established in the forward stagnation region of a porous cylinder. Aerodynamic, temperature, and stable-species-concentration profiles were measured in detail for methane flames at atmospheric pressure. These distributions were analyzed to yield the reaction-rate profiles of stable species and the heat-release-rate profile throughout the flame zone. Results show that, although the maximum concentrations of various intermediate products are observed between the luminous reaction zone and the stagnation point, various chemical reactions, including generation and consumption of such intermediate products, occur in the comparatively narrow region in and around the luminous reaction zone. The maximum rates of consumption of carbon monoxide and generation of carbon dioxide are found on the air side of the flame, and reaction-rate profiles of various stable species are qualitatively similar to those for the two-stage reaction in premixed hydrocarbon-air flames. The comparatively large convection velocity across the flame zone plays an important role, yielding the unique concentration profiles throughout the flame zone. The heat-release-rate profile shows a small valley (negative value) on the fuel side of the major peak, which is attributed to pyrolysis-type reactions. Two kinds of blowoff mechanisms of the present counterflow diffusion flame—namely, thermal quenching of the flame and chemical limitations on the combustion rate—can be clearly explained.
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