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 on the basis of reaction
rates to understand the conditions of the 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 the tip-opening phenomenon starts at ϕ = 1.4. As the mixture
becomes rich, the tip opening was found to increase. When the flame
tip opens, the volumetric heat release rate at the tip was found to
be less than 50% of the heat release rate at the flame shoulder. An
increase in the flame tip thickness was observed around 30% from equivalence
ratios of 1.3–1.4. The effect of the temperature on the propane
burner flame structure is studied by performing simulations at three
different mixture inlet temperatures of 300, 350, and 400 K. When
the temperature of the unburnt gas mixture increases, the propane–air
tube burner flame tip opening begins at more fuel-rich conditions
compared to that of the mixture at ambient temperature. A detailed
sensitivity analysis was carried out to identify the reactions having
large sensitivities.
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