Gravitational Influences on Flame Propagation Through Non-Uniform Premixed Gas Systems

We have built an apparatus for measuring flame spread rates through non-homogeneous fuel-air mixtures as a function of layer thickness and concentration. The layer thickness is adjusted by controlling the diffusion time above a fuel-saturated porous media, while the concentration is controlled by the fuel temperature. Normal gravity tests with methanol have so far explored largely the effect of temperature, as well as the effects of various aspects of the apparatus. Good agreement with previous research has been obtained. We have also demonstrated the ability of a rainbow schlieren system to quantitatively measure fuel vapor concentrations in the static case.