Effects of hydrogen addition on laminar flame speeds of methane, ethane and propane: Experimental and numerical analysis

Simulation analysis finds that the reaction R1: H + O2 ⇔ OH + O can promote the flame speeds of these three kinds of gaseous fuel obviously, and with the increase of hydrogen amount, the promoting effect is more obviously. Therefore, the main reason why hydrogen addition could increase flame speed is that the increase of H radical prompts reaction R1 to proceed in the forward direction. Comparing the flames of methane, ethane and propane mixed with hydrogen, it was found that the promotion of reaction R1 to the methane/hydrogen mixtures flame speed is strongest, and its free radicals concentration in flame increase more obviously. Therefore, hydrogen addition has a greater effect on the flame speed of methane than on that of ethane and propane.