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The analytical theory of premixed laminar flames accelerating in tubes is developed, which is an important part of the fundamental problem of flame transition to detonation. According to the theory, flames with realistically large density drop at the front accelerate exponentially from a closed end of a tube with nonslip at the walls. The acceleration is unlimited in time; it may go on until flame triggers detonation. The analytical formulas for the acceleration rate, for the flame shape and the velocity profile in the flow pushed by the flame are obtained. The theory is validated by extensive numerical simulations. The numerical simulations are performed for the complete set of hydrodynamic combustion equations including thermal conduction, viscosity, diffusion, and chemical kinetics. The theoretical predictions are in a good agreement with the numerical results. It is also shown how the developed theory can be used to understand acceleration of turbulent flames.

a b s t r a c tIt was demonstrated recently in Bychkov et al. [Bychkov et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 101 (2008) 164501], that the physical mechanism of flame acceleration in channels with obstacles is qualitatively different from the classical Shelkin mechanism. The new mechanism is much stronger, and is independent of the Reynolds number. The present study provides details of the theory and numerical modeling of the flame acceleration. It is shown theoretically and computationally that flame acceleration progresses noticeably faster in the axisymmetric cylindrical geometry as compared to the planar one, and that the acceleration rate reduces with increasing Mach number and thereby the gas compressibility. Furthermore, the velocity of the accelerating flame saturates to a constant value that is supersonic with respect to the wall. The saturation state can be correlated to the Chapman-Jouguet deflagration as well as the fast flames observed in experiments. The possibility of transition from deflagration-to-detonation in the obstructed channels is demonstrated.

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a b s t r a c tThe mechanism of finger flame acceleration at the early stage of burning in tubes was studied experimentally by Clanet and Searby [Combust. Flame 105 (1996) 225] for slow propane-air flames, and elucidated analytically and computationally by Bychkov et al. [Combust. Flame 150 (2007) 263] in the limit of incompressible flow. We have now analytically, experimentally and computationally studied the finger flame acceleration for fast burning flames, when the gas compressibility assumes an important role. Specifically, we have first developed a theory through small Mach number expansion up to the first-order terms, demonstrating that gas compression reduces the acceleration rate and the maximum flame tip velocity, and thereby moderates the finger flame acceleration noticeably. This is an important quantitative correction to previous theoretical analysis. We have also conducted experiments for hydrogenoxygen mixtures with considerable initial values of the Mach number, showing finger flame acceleration with the acceleration rate much smaller than those obtained previously for hydrocarbon flames. Furthermore, we have performed numerical simulations for a wide range of initial laminar flame velocities, with the results substantiating the experiments. It is shown that the theory is in good quantitative agreement with numerical simulations for small gas compression (small initial flame velocities). Similar to previous works, the numerical simulation shows that finger flame acceleration is followed by the formation of the ''tulip'' flame, which indicates termination of the early acceleration process.

Pump-to-wheels (PTW) methane emissions from the heavy-duty (HD) transportation sector, which have climate change implications, are poorly documented. In this study, methane emissions from HD natural gas fueled vehicles and the compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied natural gas (LNG) fueling stations that serve them were characterized. A novel measurement system was developed to quantify methane leaks and losses. Engine related emissions were characterized from twenty-two natural gas fueled transit buses, refuse trucks, and over-the-road (OTR) tractors. Losses from six LNG and eight CNG stations were characterized during compression, fuel delivery, storage, and from leaks. Cryogenic boil-off pressure rise and pressure control venting from LNG storage tanks were characterized using theoretical and empirical modeling. Field and laboratory observations of LNG storage tanks were used for model development and evaluation. PTW emissions were combined with a specific scenario to view emissions as a percent of throughput. Vehicle tailpipe and crankcase emissions were the highest sources of methane. Data from this research are being applied by the authors to develop models to forecast methane emissions from the future HD transportation sector.