Flame stability limits of premixed low-swirl combustion

The objective of this study is to gain a fundamental understanding of the flow-field and flame behaviors associated with a low-swirl burner. A vane-type low-swirl burner with different swirl numbers has been developed. The velocity field measurements are carried out with particle image velocimetry. The basic flame structures are characterized using OH radicals measured by planar laser-induced fluorescence. Three combustion regimes of low-swirl flames are identified depending on the operating conditions. For the same low-swirl injector under atmospheric conditions, attached flame is first observed when the incoming velocity is too low to generate vortex breakdown. Then, W-shaped flame is formed above the burner at moderate incoming velocity. Bowl-shaped flame structure is formed as the mixture velocity increases until it extinct. Local extinction and relight zones are observed in the low-swirl flame. Flow-field features and flame stability limits are obtained for the present burner.