Influence of transverse temperature gradient on the propagation of triple flames in porous channels

We present in this paper a numerical simulation to the problem of triple flame propagation in a porous-walls channel in the presence of a temperature gradient across the channel. The problem has been formulated using the thermo-diffusive approximation and then solved numerically using finite elements method. The study showed that temperature gradient plays a crucial role on the existence and propagation of triple flames. More precisely, the effect of temperature gradient on the flame propagation was found to: (i) cause the flame to exist only for a limited range of values of the temperature gradient parameter, (ii) establish multiplicity of solutions each of them characterizes unique combustion regimes, (iii) modifies the flame shape from the usual triple flame shape when the temperature gradient is large, and finally (iv) enhance the reactivity of the underlying mixture, but on the other hand will have serious implications on the safety of the combustion chamber.