Effect of the Inclination Angle on Premixed Flame Dynamics in Half-Open Ducts

The propagation of premix methane/air flames in long half-open ducts with different inclination angles θ between the sidewall and the horizon was numerically investigated using the laminar model. The numerical result was compared with the experimental and theoretical ones to validate the numerical model. The results show that the numerical results are in good agreement with them. The investigation provides the basic understanding of the effects on changing the shape of the ducts to promote the premixed flame combustion. For methane/air, the position where the flame front begins to concave is pushed back with the increase in angle θ. The so-called "tulip" flame even disappeared, if the angle θ is bigger than one certain value. Moreover, the flame propagation speed and pressure are enhanced as the angle θ increases. In addition, the numerical simulation indicates that the burning gas creates an eddy near the tip of the flame, altering the flow field and causing the tulip flame to appear. However, with the angle θ increased, the flame propagation is restrained by the change in sidewalls, resulting in the different flow patterns to suppress the formation of tulip flames and promote flame combustion.