Effect of an External Electric Field on the Propagation Velocity of Premixed Flames

TL;DR

This study models how external electric fields influence the propagation velocity of lean premixed flames by incorporating ion transport and electrostatic effects, providing insights into electric control of combustion.

Contribution

It introduces a comprehensive one-dimensional model including ion species, electromotive forces, and Maxwell equations to analyze electric field effects on flame speed.

Findings

Electric fields can significantly alter flame propagation velocity.

Ion transport and electrostatic forces are key factors in flame response.

Model provides new insights into electric control of combustion processes.

Abstract

There have been many experimental investigations into the ability of electric fields to enhance combustion by acting upon ion species present in flames [1]. In this work, we examine this phenomenon using a one-dimensional model of a lean premixed flame under the influence of a longitudinal electric field. We expand upon prior two-step chain-branching reaction laminar models with reactions to model the creation and consumption of both a positively-charged radical species and free electrons. Also included are the electromotive force in the conservation equation for ion species and the electrostatic form of the Maxwell equations in order to resolve ion transport by externally applied and internally induced electric fields. The numerical solution of these equations allows us to compute changes in flame speed due to electric fields. Further, the variation of key kinetic and transport parameters modifies the electrical sensitivity of the flame. From changes in flame speed and reactant profiles we are able to gain novel, valuable insight into how and why combustion can be controlled by electric fields.