Computer Modeling of the Princeton Micro-Combustion Experiment to Understand Extinction and Re-ignition Patterns
Author:
Casey PetersMentor:
Joanna Bieri, Associate Professor of Math, University of RedlandsMy research concerns the modeling of very small flames in narrow channels known as micro-combustion. Micro-combustion has many applications as a source of both energy and heat. The work is based on a specific experiment that was done at Princeton University in which flame streets were observed while burning methane with air. Flame streets involve the extinction and re-ignition patterns of small flames in a micro-combustor. The mechanisms behind this observed behavior are not well understood and this work seeks to better understand these flames. Thus far, I have calculated the conditions that are needed to have the dimensionless computer model match the conditions in the experiment as closely as possible. I am currently working on adjusting the more uncertain values such as mixture strength, Damkohler number and wall temperature to match the experiment.