Dynamics and stability of premixed flames

The latest achievements in the theory of premixed flames including both the analytical theory and the numerical simulations are reviewed. Gas dynamics of curved flames and flame-induced flows as well as flames propagating under confinement in closed burning chambers is considered. Much attention is paid to the nonlinear stage of the hydrodynamic instabilities inherent to any premixed flame in a gaseous fuel, such as the Darrieus-Landau instability and the Rayleigh-Taylor instability of a flame in a gravitational held. Influence of compressibility, flame generated acoustic waves and shock waves on flame dynamics is considered. Development of a fractal structure of a flame front is discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.