Measurement of propagation speeds in adiabatic cellular premixed flames of CH4 + O2 + CO2

Experimental measurements of the propagation speed of adiabatic flames of methane + oxygen + carbon dioxide are presented. The oxygen content O₂/(O₂ + CO₂) in the artificial air was 31.55% and 35%. Non-stretched flames were stabilized on a perforated plate burner at atmospheric pressure. A heat flux method was used to determine propagation speeds under conditions when the net heat loss of the flame is zero. Under specific experimental conditions the flames become cellular; this leads to significant modification of the flame propagation speed. The onset of cellularity was observed throughout the stoichiometric range of the mixtures studied. Measurements in cellular flames are presented and compared with those for laminar flat flames. Cellularity disappeared when the flames became only slightly sub-adiabatic. Visual and photographic observations of the flames were performed to quantify their cellular structure. Increasing the oxygen content in the artificial air and increasing the temperature of the burner plate led to increase of the number of cells observed.