Flame Propagation in Low-Intensity Turbulence under Microgravity Conditions

The goal of the research is to understand the influences of the hydrodynamic instability on premixed-flame propagation. It is known that coupling between flame and flow-field dynamics in association with the hydrodynamic instability may lead to flame-generated turbulence, flame acceleration and enhancement of burning rates. As a result of such hydrodynamic coupling the transition from initially planar or wrinkled laminar flames to fast turbulent flames or detonations is possible, even when diffusive-thermal effects associated with non-unity reactant Lewis numbers are not destabilizing. It is important to identify methods of suppressing the hydrodynamic instability so as to insure fire safety, particularly in space.