Instability of flame in micro-combustor under different external thermal environment

This experiment investigates the performance of a micro-combustor made of a quartz tube. Its surface heat loss is controlled by external wind, the wind temperature ranges from 277 to 1001 K. Compared with the cold wind at 277 K, warm wind at intermediate temperature of 380 K helps stabilize the flame. Because it decreases the surface heat loss, thus inhibits extinction. However, extremely hot wind of 1001 K makes blowout happen easily. The phenomenon is analyzed. The micro-flame retreats to the combustor inlet due to the enhanced heat recirculation at extremely hot wind, which induces insufficient pre-heating. Subsequently, blowout occurs. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.