An investigation of combustion in a flowing stream with turbulence

Abstract

This thesis undertakes a general investigation of combustion in a flowing stream. It was first necessary to determine, if possible, the mechanism of burning, the establish the flow characteristic which must be present for a flame to exist. Study of an inverted flame was made in open air. The flame characteristics were observed by means of temperature and pressure survey, Schlieran photographs and smoke pictures. Apparatus was constructed to allow burning in a flowing stream in a constant-area channel. Information gathered in the study of the inverted flame was applied to combustion in the constant-area channel. Arrangement was made to preheat the air stream, and effects of stream temperature on burning velocity were noted. This work is an attempt to reinforce combustion theory with experimental data. Many studies of this nature must be made before the mechanism of combustion is fully understood.