Spark Ignition of Flowing Gases

Abstract

Spark ignition of flowing gases is investigated experimentally at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Under laminar condition the inflammability of flowing gases increases with gas velocity. This is due to the tendency of initial flames to escape from the quenching effect of electrodes under the influence of gas flow. Under turbulent condition the inflammability of flowing gases decreases with increasing gas velocity. This is ascribed to the increased eddy diffusivity and is in accordance with the result of Swett's experiment under turbulent condition at reduced pressures.