Ignition and Propagation of Combustion Waves in a Two-Dimensional Channel. Part I

Abstract Despite numerous studies, many aspects of ignition and propagation of combustion and detonation waves in combustible mixtures remain insufficiently studied, which complicates the scientifically-based control of these processes. This paper presents new data on the various stages of ignition and a flame front propagation in a plane (two-dimensional) channel of constant cross section. The experimentally observed main flame instabilities (manifested in the significant nonuniformity and nonstationarity of the combustion front), the phenomenon of flame blowout (disappearance of glow), and the transition of the flame to a self-sustaining propagation mode are discussed. Attention is drawn to the problems of the occurrence of new ignition sources of the mixture in the flame front, including explosive microsources that contribute to the subsequent transition of combustion to detonation. A number of new features in the physics and dynamics of flame propagation have been identified.