Numerical study of the effects of wire insertion on CH4(methane)/AIR pre-mixed flame in a micro combustor

In this study, an approach to modify and improve of CH4(methane)/air pre-mixed flame in a micro-stepped tube combustor is numerically studied. The effects of wire on flame in micro combustor are calculated using a high order, high accuracy 2D steady state code. The results show that the wire insertion within a micro combustor has significant effects on stabilizing of the flame in a micro combustor. Also, the wire insertion method is strongly able to modify the flame location within a micro combustor. In such a manner, applying this method can guarantee the flame presence in some certain conditions in comparison to the simple backward facing step method. The wire insertion method improves the combustion process by activating the chemical reactions which have main effect on the combustion initiation. Moreover, it is shown that the wire insertion method can effectively improve and also increase temperature distribution and its level along the wall and the axis of the micro combustor. Meanwhile, it is shown that the wall thermal conductivity and its outer surface emissivity coefficient with the convective heat transfer coefficient on the outer wall of the micro combustor have great influences on combustion characteristics.

► Effects of a conductive wire insertion on combustion in a micro combustor are studied numerically.
► Wire insertion into a micro-stepped tube can modify combustion processes.
► The wire insertion assures the flame presence in some conditions in micro combustor.
► Wire insertion can strengthen flame against variation of heat transfer conditions.