Publication

Abstract : The tip opening mechanism of burner stabilized flames is investigated computationally using premixed propane+air mixtures. The temperature, net production rate and reaction rates are investigated for rich mixtures. The flame tip structure was analyzed based on reaction rates to understand the conditions of equivalence ratio at which the tip opening phenomenon occurs. Numerical predictions of tip opening are in good agreement with experimental observations. The study revealed that tip opening phenomenon starts at = 1.4. As the mixture becomes rich, the tip opening was found to increase. When the mixture unburnt gas temperature increases, the propane-air tube burner flame tip opening begins at more rich fuel condition compared to that of the mixture at ambient temperature. A detailed sensitivity analysis was carried out to identify the reactions having large sensitivities.