Structure and Dynamics of Laminar Jet Micro-Slot Diffusion Flames

Abstract

Results of an experimental investigation into the behavior of laminar jet diffusion flames, produced using micro-slot burner ports, are presented. Under certain conditions, the cross-sectional shape of micro-slot flames is qualitatively similar to the cross-sectional shape of circular burner port flames produced in an environment where molecular diffusion is the primary transport mechanism. An order of magnitude analysis reveals that, over the range of experimental conditions examined, the behavior of the experimentally observed micro-slot flames is not necessarily diffusion-controlled. A comparison of the experimental data with an accepted theoretical model shows that current theoretical models do not accurately predict the experimentally observed flame heights. A theoretical expression for purely diffusion-controlled micro-slot flame height is developed and compared with experimental micro-slot flame data. The region where this theoretical expression is valid is identified through an examination of the diffusion to buoyancy parameter. A qualitative discussion of micro-slot flame structure is also presented.