Flame Stabilization in Micro-Combustors Using Bluff-Body Geometries: A CFD Study

Micro-combustors are essential for micro-gas turbine engines, offering high energy density for compact power and propulsion systems. However, at micro-scales, maintaining a stable flame is difficult due to rapid heat losses, short residence times, and a strong tendency for flame blow-off. This work investigates the use of bluff-body flame holders to enhance flame stabilization in a lean premixed methane–air micro-combustor. A two-dimensional micro-channel model was simulated in ANSYS Fluent, where multiple bluff-body geometries were evaluated under identical flow and combustion conditions. It was shown that all bluff-bodies generate wake regions that help stabilize the flame, but their effectiveness varies significantly with shape. These findings highlight the importance of bluff-body design in overcoming stability limitations in micro-combustors and provide guidance for developing efficient micro-scale power generation and propulsion systems.