A comparative study on premixed hydrogen–air and propane–air flame propagations with tulip distortion in a closed duct

• The distorted tulip shape was for the first time found in premixed propane–air flame.
• The tulip distortions are always accompanied by flame tip velocity fluctuations.
• The pressure dynamics is different for premixed hydrogen–air and propane–air flames with tulip distortion.
• Pressure wave effect is not the incitation factor of tulip distortion.

The premixed hydrogen–air and propane–air flames in a closed duct were experimentally studied for a deep insight into the tulip distortion phenomenon. High speed schlieren photography and pressure sensors recorded the flame images and pressure dynamics at different equivalence ratios for detailed analyses and comparisons. The distorted tulip shape which was first scrutinized and distinguished as an exclusive feature in premixed hydrogen–air flame, was also observed in stoichiometric premixed propane–air flame with a similar behavior on flame shape changes. Tulip distortions are always accompanied by remarkable flame tip velocity fluctuations with near-constant amplitudes. But the pressure dynamics is totally different. There are no observable oscillation and stepped rise in pressure trajectory of stoichiometric premixed propane–air flame. The pressure wave effect is definitely not the incitation factor, but an additional enhancement of flame acceleration, deceleration and deformation.