Ignition

Tim C. Lieuwen

doi:10.1017/CBO9781139059961.010

8 - Ignition

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 October 2012

Tim C. Lieuwen

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Tim C. Lieuwen: Affiliation:
Georgia Institute of Technology

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This chapter describes the processes associated with spontaneous ignition (or auto-ignition) and forced ignition. The forced ignition problem is of significant interest in most combustors, as an external ignition source is almost always needed to initiate reaction. Two examples in which the autoignition problem is relevant for flowing systems are illustrated in Figure 8–1 [1–12]. Figure 8–1(a) depicts the autoignition of high-temperature premixed reactants in a premixing duct. This is generally undesirable and is an important design consideration in premixer design. Figure 8–1(b) depicts the ignition of a jet of premixed reactants by recirculating hot products. In this case, autoignition plays an important role in flame stabilization and must be understood in order to predict the operational space over which combustion can be sustained. Although not shown, autoignition can also occur during the injection of a fuel, air, or premixed reactants jet into a stream of hot fuel, air, or products. For example, a vitiated H2/CO stream reacts with a cross-flow air jet in RQL combustors [13].

Figure 8–2 shows several canonical configurations used to study ignition that are referred to in this chapter. These are (a) the ignition of premixed reactants by hot gases, (b) the ignition of a non-premixed flame by either a hot fuel or air stream or an external spark, and (c) stagnating flow of fuel or premixed reactants into a hot gas stream [14].

Type: Chapter
Information: Unsteady Combustor Physics , pp. 225 - 246

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139059961.010 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2012

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