Statistics of vorticity alignment with local strain rates in turbulent premixed flames

The instantaneous alignment of the vorticity vector with local principal strain rates is analysed for statistically planar turbulent premixed flames with different values of heat release parameter and global Lewis number spanning different regimes of combustion. It has been shown that the vorticity vector predominantly aligns with the intermediate principal strain rate in turbulent premixed flames, irrespective of the regime of combustion, heat release parameter and Lewis number. However, the relative alignment of vorticity with the most extensive and compressive principal strain rates changes based on the underlying combustion conditions. Detailed physical explanations are provided for the observed behaviours of vorticity alignment with local principal strain rates. It has been shown that heat release due to combustion significantly affects the alignment of vorticity with local principal strain rates. However, the mean contribution of the vortex-stretching term in the transport equation of enstrophy remains positive for all cases considered here, irrespective of the nature of the vorticity alignment. (C) 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.