Numerical investigation of geometrical modifications on premixed methane- air flame stability in a recirculation micro-combustor

This research numerically examines the influence of flow recirculation within a micro-combustor facilitated by an auxiliary chamber. Computational results indicate that incorporating this auxiliary chamber promotes flow recirculation, thereby enhancing flame stability. Employing a recirculating micro-combustor allows for higher inlet flow velocities without causing flame extinction. The configuration under analysis includes a main chamber and an auxiliary chamber. The main chamber features a stepped tubular design, while the auxiliary chamber, responsible for inducing recirculation, consists of a plain tube with a central conductive wire. The inclusion of both the wire and the step in the tubes contributes to greater flame stability in micro-combustors. However, the numerical findings reveal that flow recirculation within the micro-combustor provides a substantially greater stabilizing effect compared to the other two approaches.