Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

(4.1) Laminar Premixed Flame

In laminar premixed flame, fuel and oxidizer are premixed before

combustion and the flow is laminar.

Figure 4.1 Schematic illustration of a laminar flat flame (left) and of a

Bunsen flame (right), both premixed

(4.1) Conservation equations

Deriving mass conservation :

Change mass
with time

Mass in Mass out

x
x+dx

Figure 4.2 control volume

By applied the continuity equation for control volume shown, get:

Mass out – Mass out = Mass change (4.1)

Assuming, mass in= mx , and mass out = mxdx

Ch. Four |1
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

But ( mass   . u . A ),

 ( m) m 
mx  mxdx  ,   V  (4.2)
t t t

If cross-section area is constant (A=constant) and,

 (mx )
mxdx  mx  dx from mathematical definitions,
x

(  A dx) (  u A )
 dx , but V  A. dx  const.
t x

(  ) (  u )
 0 (4.3)
t x

Then, for laminar one-dimensional premixed flames, the conservation

equations are :

• mass conservation
  (  u )
 0 (4.4)
t x

• Species conservation. For i = 1 to n - 1

( Yi ) (  u Yi )
  i (4.5)
t x

• Energy

 T T    2T  n
 Cp  u   k  2    i hio (4.6)
 t x   x  i 1

Where hi o enthalpy formation species i.

These equations describe a wave propagating from the burnt to the fresh
gas at a speed which reaches a constant value SL(burning velocity) when
transients are ignored.

Ch. Four |2
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

When the flame is steady, writing Eq. (4.4) to (4.6) in the reference frame
of the flame (moving at speed SL) leads to
 u   S L  const. (4.7)
 (  u Yi )
 i (4.8)
x

T   2T  n
 Cp u  k  2    i hio (4.9)
x  x  i 1

The momentum equation is not needed anymore. it can be used to

compute the pressure field after all fields have been computed by
integrating (viscous terms are neglected):
p u
 u or p( x)  p1  1 S L u ( x)  u1  (4.10)
x x
The pressure jump through a steady flame front is obtained by integrating
this equation between -∞ to ∞:

p2  p1  1 u1 (1  u 2 / u1 )  1S L (1  T2 / T1 )
2 2
(4.11)

Where (1) refer to unburned and (2) refer to burnt state.

To solution equation (4.8 4.9), the proper boundary conditions are

provided. For premixed flames, these boundary conditions may raise
some difficulties. Typical inlet conditions (at location x = 0) correspond
to a cold premixed gas flow (Fig. 4.3): u(x = 0) = ul, imposed for
reactants (in proportions imposed by the code user), T(x = 0) = T1
imposed.

Ch. Four |3
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

Figure 4.3 Basic configuration for computations of one-dimensional

premixed flames. State 1: fresh gas quantities; State 2: burnt gas
quantities.

(4.1) Theoretical solutions for laminar premixed flames

The computation of premixed flames with complex chemistry and

transport is possible but severe restrictions prevent the use of these tools
in many situations (for example, unsteady flames). Furthermore, one-
dimensional planar steady premixed flames represent only one flame
configuration: many more must be studied and understood for example to
address the problem of turbulent combustion.
The fuel mass fraction in the fresh gas is imposed (YF = Yfo). The
corresponding conservation equations become (in the flame reference
frame):

(4.12)

(4.13)

(4.14)

In these expressions, the fuel reaction rate ωF is negative.

Ch. Four |4
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

1. Heat of Combustion

The heat of reaction is defined as the net enthalpy change resulting

from a chemical reaction. The energy effect can be net energy release (an
exothermic reaction) or energy absorption (an endothermic reaction). The
heat of reaction may be calculated as the difference in the heat of
formation (ΔH298) between products and reactants. Heat of formation
(tabulated in many handbooks) is the heat effect when the compound is
formed from its constituent elements in their standard states (usually
298K, at 1 atm).
 
Qr   ( ni h of ,i ) reactions  ( ni h of ,i ) products  (4.22)
 
Example: A stoichiometry Methane – air mixture at 298K , was burned,
find the heat of reaction (combustion)?

Solution:

CH 4  2(O2  3.76N2 )  CO2  2H 2O  7.52N2

For table heat formations we get,

hCH 4  -74809 J/mole ,

hCO2=-393510 J/mol , hH2O=-241818, hN2=0

Q=1*(-74809)-[1*(-393510)+2*(-241818)+0]=802337J/mole of fuel

Ch. Four |5
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

Estimation of Heat of Reaction from Bond Energies

The determination of the heat of reaction depends on the availability of

the heats of formation. In the event that they are not available, rough
estimates of their values can be obtained from the bond energies between
the atomic constituents of the reactant and product molecules (McMillen
& Golden 1982). The methodology is based on the concept that the
energy needed to break a particular type of bond between two atoms is
approximately the same regardless of the molecule in which the bond is
present. Thus, the difference between the sums of the bond energies of
the reactants and the products can be approximated as the heat of
reaction. Table below lists the bond energies of a variety of atomic pairs.
Note: 1Cal=4.187 J
Table Mean bond energies (kcal/mole bond)

Ch. Four |6
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

As an example, consider the hydrogenation reaction of ethylene to form

ethane,

In this reaction one C=C bond and one H-H bond are broken, while one
C-C bond and two C-H bonds are created. Thus the net change in the
bond energies given by Table above is (1)(85.5) + (2)(98.1) − (1)(145) −
(1)(104.2) = 32.5 kcal/mole. The positive value indicates that the
products are more tightly bound and hence less reactive. Thus this
reaction is exothermic, with q= 32.5 kcal/mole. Using the values of heats

Ch. Four |7
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

of formation given in, we have q= (12.5) − (−20.2) = 32.7 kcal/mole. The

comparison is close in this case.
Example 1: A stoichiometry Methane – air mixture at 298K , was burned,
find the heat of reaction (combustion)? Using energy bounds.

Solution:

CH 4  2(O2  3.76N2 )  CO2  2H 2O  7.52N2

𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = ∑(𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝐵𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑)𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑠 − ∑(𝐸𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑔𝑦 𝐵𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑑)𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠

𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = [2(𝐶 − 𝑂) + 2 ∗ 2(𝐻 − 𝑂) + 2 ∗ 3.76(𝑁 − 𝑁)]

− [4(𝐶 − 𝐻 ) + 2(𝑂 − 𝑂) + 2 ∗ 3.76(𝑁 − 𝑁)]

𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = [2(799) + 2 ∗ 2(463) + 2 ∗ 3.76(163)]

− [4(413) + 2(495) + 2 ∗ 3.76(163)]

𝐾𝐽
𝑄𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑏𝑢𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 808
𝐾𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑢𝑒𝑙

Example 2: For the reaction bellow:

𝑪𝒏 𝑯(𝟐𝒏+𝟐) + 𝒂(𝑶𝟐 + 𝟑. 𝟕𝟔 𝑵𝟐 ) → 𝒏𝑪𝑶𝟐 + (𝒏 + 𝟏)𝑯𝟐 𝑶 + 𝟑. 𝟕𝟔𝒂 𝑵𝟐
If the heat of combustion writing as:
𝑸𝒄 = 𝟔𝟏𝟖. 𝟒𝟗 𝒏 + 𝟏𝟖𝟕. 𝟖𝟑 (KJ/mole of fuel)
25
And the mole fraction of CO2 in products is 𝜒𝐶𝑂2 = , find:
227
1. Type of fuel.
2. Heat of combustion
3. If n=4, find the mole fractions of CO2, H2O and N2
Solution:

𝐶𝑛 𝐻(2𝑛+2) + 𝑎(𝑂2 + 3.76 𝑁2 ) → 𝑛𝐶𝑂2 + (𝑛 + 1)𝐻2 𝑂 + 3.76𝑎 𝑁2

1.
𝑛
𝜒𝐶𝑂2 = , 𝑁𝑇 = 𝑛 + (𝑛 + 1) + 3.76𝑎
𝑁𝑇
𝑛 + 2𝑛 + 2
= 2𝑛 + 1 + 3.76 ( )
4

Ch. Four |8
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

𝑁𝑇 = 7.64𝑛 + 2.88
𝑛 𝑛
𝜒𝐶𝑂2 = = ⇒ 36𝑛 = 72 ⇒ 𝑛=2
𝑁𝑇 7.64𝑛 + 2.88

∴ 𝑡𝑦𝑝𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑢𝑒𝑙 (𝐶𝑛 𝐻(2𝑛+2) ) = 𝐶2 𝐻6 𝐸𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑒

2.

𝑄𝑐 = 618.49 𝑛 + 187.83 = 618.49 ∗ 2 + 187.83 =

𝐾𝐽
1424.81
𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑢𝑒𝑙

3.

n=4 (Butane C4H10)

4+8+2
𝑁𝑇 = 𝑛 + (𝑛 + 1) + 3.76𝑎 = 9 + 3.76 ( ) = 22.16 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒
4
𝑛 4
𝜒𝐶𝑂2 = = = 0.1805 𝑨𝒏𝒔.
𝑁𝑇 22.15

𝑛 𝑛
𝜒𝐶𝑂2 = = = 0.2254 𝑨𝒏𝒔.
𝑁𝑇 7.64𝑛 + 2.88
3.76𝑎 3.76 ∗ 3.5
𝜒𝑁2 = = = 0.5941 𝑨𝒏𝒔.
𝑁𝑇 22.15

2. Calculation adiabatic flame temperature

The temperature that would be achieved by the products in the

limit of adiabatic operation of the reactor is called the adiabatic flame
temperature or adiabatic combustion temperature. The adiabatic flame
temperature can be determined by use of the conservation of mass and
conservation of energy principles. To illustrate the procedure, let us
suppose that the combustion air and the combustion products each form
ideal gas mixtures. Then, with the other assumptions stated above, the
energy rate balance on a per mole of fuel basis, then:

(4.15)

Ch. Four |9
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

where i denotes the incoming fuel and air streams and e the exiting
combustion products. With this expression, with table data to evaluate
enthalpy terms,

(4.16)

The n’s are obtained on a per mole of fuel basis from the balanced
chemical reaction equation. The enthalpies of formation of the reactants
and products are obtained from Table A-25 .Enthalpy of combustion data
might be employed in situations where the enthalpy of formation for the
fuel is not available. Knowing the states of the reactants as they enter the
_
reactor, the ( h) terms for the reactants can be evaluated as discussed
previously. Thus, all terms on the right side of Eq. 4.16 can be evaluated.
_
The terms (  h) e on the left side account for the changes in enthalpy of
the products from Tref to the unknown adiabatic flame temperature. Since
the unknown temperature appears in each term of the sum on the left side
of the equation, determination of the adiabatic flame temperature requires
iteration: A temperature for the products is assumed and used to evaluate
the left side of Eq. 13.21b. The value obtained is compared with the
previously determined value for the right side of the equation. The
procedure continues until satisfactory agreement is attained.
Where,
_ T2

( h) i   Cpi dT (4.17)
T1

By return to equation (4.16), the right hand is constant then :

C h . F o u r | 10
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

 n (  h)   n ( 
T2
i i i Cpi dT )  sun1 (4.18)
T1
P p

_ _ _
sum1   ni ( h) i   ni h f o ,i   ne h f o ,e (4.19)
R R P

The specific heat (Cp) can be calculation from the equation:

Cp i (T )  a 0  a1 T  a 2T 2  a 3T 3 (4.20)

The values of constant( a0 , a1 , a2 , a3 ) in above equation are presented

in table (C3) or table (2.5)

Note:
Also, the equation 4.16 can be solution by an iterative procedure, using
table A-23

Adiabatic flame temperature

(𝐻𝑇)𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑠 = (𝐻𝑇)𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠

𝑜
(𝐻𝑇)𝑝 = ∑ 𝑛𝑖 ∆ℎ𝑖 = ∑ 𝑛𝑖 [𝐶𝑃𝑖 𝑑𝑇 + ∆ℎ𝑓𝑖 ]
𝑝 𝑝𝑟

(𝐻𝑇)𝑅 = ∑ 𝑛𝑖 ∆ℎ𝑖 = ∑ 𝑛𝑖 [𝐶𝑃𝑖 𝑑𝑇 + (∆ℎ𝑓𝑜 )𝑖 ]

𝑅 𝑅

∑ 𝑛𝑖 [𝐶𝑃𝑖 𝑑𝑇 + (∆ℎ𝑓𝑜 )𝑖 ] = ∑ 𝑛𝑖 [𝐶𝑃𝑖 𝑑𝑇 + (∆ℎ𝑓𝑜 )𝑖 ] … … … 1

𝑝 𝑅

There are three cases for solution equation(1) dependents on form of

specific heat (Cp) as:

Case 1 𝐶𝑃𝑖 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡

Case 2 𝐶𝑃𝑖 = 𝑎𝑖 + 𝑏𝑖 𝑇 𝑎, 𝑏 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡

Case 3 𝐶𝑃𝑖 = 𝑎𝑜,𝑖 + 𝑎1,𝑖 𝑇 + 𝑎2,𝑖 𝑇 2 + 𝑎3,𝑖 𝑇 3

𝑎𝑜 , 𝑎1 , 𝑎2 , 𝑎3 𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡

Case 1: CP Constant

Apply on equation no .1

C h . F o u r | 11
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

∑ 𝑛𝑖 [𝐶𝑃𝑖 ∆𝑇 + (∆ℎ𝑓𝑜 )𝑖 = ∑ 𝑛𝑖 [𝐶𝑃𝑖 ∆T + (∆ℎ𝑓𝑜 )𝑖 ]

𝑝 𝑅

∑ 𝑛𝑖 [𝐶𝑃𝑖 (𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) + (∆ℎ𝑓𝑜 )𝑖 = ∑ 𝑛𝑖 [𝐶𝑃𝑖 (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) + (∆ℎ𝑓𝑜 )𝑖 ]

𝑝 𝑅

∑ 𝑛𝑖 𝐶𝑃𝑖 (𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) = ∑ 𝑛𝑖 [𝐶𝑃𝑖 (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) + 𝑄𝑟

𝑝 𝑖 𝑅

Where 𝑄𝑟 = ((∑ 𝑛𝑖 ∆ℎ𝑓𝑜 )𝑖 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 − (∑ 𝑛𝑖 ∆ℎ𝑓𝑜 )𝑖 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑠 )

𝑄𝑟
(𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) ∑ 𝑛𝑖 = (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) ∑ 𝑛𝑖 +
𝑝 𝑖 𝑅 𝐶𝑃𝑖

𝑄𝑟
(𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) 𝑁𝑇𝑃𝑟 = 𝑁𝑇𝑅 (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) +
𝐶𝑃𝑖
𝑁𝑇𝑅 𝑄𝑟
𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 = 𝑇𝑜 + (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) +
𝑁𝑇𝑃𝑟 𝑁𝑇𝑃𝑟 𝐶𝑃𝑖

Where Qr (J/mole of fuel), Cpi in (J/mole.K)

Or, Qr (J/ kg of fuel), Cpi in (J/kg.K)

Example: Find the adiabatic flame temperature for the combustion shown
in reaction below: take the Cpi constant (40 J/Kmole.K)

𝐶𝐻4 + 2(𝑂2 + 3.76𝑁2) → 𝐶𝑂2 + 2𝐻2𝑂 + 7.52𝑁2

𝐽
𝑄𝑟 = 802000
𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑢𝑒𝑙

𝑁𝑇𝑅 = 1 + 2 + 7.52 = 10.52 = 𝑁𝑇𝑅

𝑁𝑇𝑅 𝑄𝑟
𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 = 𝑇𝑜 + (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) +
𝑁𝑇𝑃𝑟 𝑁𝑇𝑃𝑟 𝐶𝑃𝑖
𝑄𝑟 802000
𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 = 𝑇𝑖 + = 25 + = 1931 𝐶 𝑜
𝑁𝑇𝑃𝑟 𝐶𝑃𝑖 10.52 ∗ 40

C h . F o u r | 12
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

Example: Find the adiabatic flame temperature for the combustion shown
in reaction below: take the Cpi constant (1450 J/kg.K)

𝐶𝐻4 + 2(𝑂2 + 3.76𝑁2) → 𝐶𝑂2 + 2𝐻2𝑂 + 7.52𝑁2

Mass of 1 mole of Methane =1*(16/1000) =0.016 kg

Mass of 2 mole of Oxygen =2*(32/1000) =0.064 kg

Mass of 1 mole of Nitrogen =2*3.76*(28/1000) =0.21056 kg

Mass of 1 mole of CO2 =1*(44/1000) =0.044 kg

Mass of 1 mole of H2O =2*(18/1000) =0.036 kg

0.016𝐶𝐻4 + 0.064𝑂2 + 0.21056𝑁2

→ 0.044𝐶𝑂2 + 0.036𝐻2𝑂 + 0.21056𝑁2

∑ 𝑚𝑖 [𝐶𝑃𝑖 ∆𝑇 + (∆ℎ𝑓𝑜 )𝑖 = ∑ 𝑚𝑖 [𝐶𝑃𝑖 ∆T + (∆ℎ𝑓𝑜 )𝑖 ]

𝑝 𝑅

∑ 𝑚𝑖 𝐶𝑃𝑖 (𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) = ∑ 𝑚𝑖 [𝐶𝑃𝑖 (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) + 𝑄𝑟

𝑝 𝑅

𝑄𝑟
𝑚𝑃𝑟 (𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) = 𝑚𝑅 (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) +
𝐶𝑃
𝑚𝑅 𝑄𝑟
𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 = 𝑇𝑜 + (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) +
𝑚𝑃𝑟 𝑚𝑃𝑟 𝐶𝑃

Where Qr(j/kg of fuel), mT=0.29056𝑘𝑔

802000𝐽 𝐽
𝑄𝑟 = = 802000/0.016 = 50125000
𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑢𝑒𝑙 𝑘𝑔 𝑜𝑓 𝑓𝑢𝑒𝑙
0.29056 𝑄𝑟 𝑄𝑟
𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 = 𝑇𝑜 + (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) + = 𝑇𝑖 +
0.29056 𝑚𝑃𝑟 𝐶𝑃 𝑚𝑃𝑟 𝐶𝑃
50125000 ∗ 0.016
𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 = 25 + = 1928 𝐶 𝑜
0.29056 ∗ 1450

C h . F o u r | 13
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

Case 2:𝑪𝑷𝒊 = 𝒂𝒊 + 𝒃𝒊 𝑻 𝒂, 𝒃 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕

∑ 𝑛𝑖 [𝐶𝑃𝑖 ∆𝑇 + (∆ℎ𝑓𝑜 )𝑖 ] = ∑ 𝑛𝑖 [𝐶𝑃𝑖 ∆𝑇 + (∆ℎ𝑓𝑜 )𝑖 ]

𝑝 𝑅

𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 𝑇𝑖
∫ 𝑛𝑖 (𝑎𝑖 + 𝑏𝑖 𝑇)𝑑𝑇 + ∫ 𝑛𝑖 (𝑎𝑖 + 𝑏𝑖 𝑇)𝑑𝑇
𝑇𝑜 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑠 𝑇𝑜 𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠

+ [∑ 𝑛𝑖 (∆ℎ𝑓𝑜 )𝑖 − ∑ 𝑛𝑖 (∆ℎ𝑓𝑜 )𝑖 ]
𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑝

𝑏𝑖 𝑇 2 𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 𝑏𝑖 𝑇 2 𝑇𝑖
∑ 𝑛𝑖 [𝑎𝑖 𝑇 + ] │ 𝑇𝑜 = ∑ 𝑛𝑖 [𝑎𝑖 𝑇 + ] │ 𝑇𝑜 + 𝑄
𝑝 2 𝑅 2

𝑏𝑖 2
∑ 𝑛𝑖 [𝑎𝑖 (𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) + (𝑇 − 𝑇𝑜2 ) ] = ∑ 𝑛𝑖 [𝑎𝑖 (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 )
𝑝 2 𝑎𝑑𝑖 𝑅

𝑏𝑖
+ (𝑇𝑖2 − 𝑇𝑜2 )+Q
2

𝑛𝑖 𝑏𝑖 2
(∑ ) (𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜2 ) + (∑ 𝑛𝑖 𝑎𝑖 ) (𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 )
𝑝 2 𝑝𝑟
𝑛𝑖 𝑏𝑖 2
= ∑ 𝑛𝑖 𝑎𝑖 (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) + ∑ (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑖2 ) + 𝑄
𝑅 𝑅 2

𝑛𝑖 𝑏𝑖 2
∑ ( ) 𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 + ∑ (𝑛𝑖 𝑎𝑖) 𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 = ∑ 𝑛𝑖 𝑎𝑖 (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) +
𝑝 2 𝑝 𝑅

𝑛𝑖 𝑏𝑖 𝑛𝑖 𝑏𝑖
∑( ) (𝑇𝑖2 − 𝑇𝑜2 ) + 𝑄 + ∑ ( ) 𝑇𝑖2 + ∑ (𝑛𝑖 𝑎𝑖 ) 𝑇𝑜
2 𝑝 2 𝑝

2
𝐴(𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜2 ) + 𝐵 (𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) − 𝑄 − 𝐴̅(𝑇𝑖2 − 𝑇𝑜2 ) − 𝐵̅ (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) = 0

Or,
2
𝐴𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 + 𝐵𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 + {𝐴𝑇𝑜2 + 𝐵𝑇𝑜 − 𝑄 − 𝐴̅(𝑇𝑖2 − 𝑇𝑜2 ) − 𝐵̅ (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 )} = 0

If {𝐴𝑇𝑜2 + 𝐵𝑇𝑜 − 𝑄 − 𝐴̅(𝑇𝑖2 − 𝑇𝑜2 ) − 𝐵̅ (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 )} = 𝐶

2
𝐴𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 + 𝐵𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 + 𝐶 = 0 …….(2)

Where:
𝑛𝑖 𝑏𝑖 𝑛𝑖 𝑏𝑖
𝐴 = (∑ ) , 𝐵 = (∑ 𝑛𝑖 𝑎𝑖 )𝑃𝑟 , 𝐴̅ = (∑ ) , 𝐵̅ = (∑ 𝑛𝑖 𝑎𝑖 )𝑅
2 𝑃𝑟 2 𝑅

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Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

If Ti=To we get:
2
𝐴𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 + 𝐵 𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 − 𝑄 − 𝐴𝑇𝑜2 − 𝐵𝑇𝑜 = 𝑜

C h . F o u r | 15
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

Example: Find the adiabatic flame temperature for the combustion shown
in reaction below: take the Cpi as the function’s a+bT.

𝐶𝐻4 + 2(𝑂2 + 3.76𝑁2) → 𝐶𝑂2 + 2𝐻2𝑂 + 7.52𝑁2

2
𝐴𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 + 𝐵 𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 − 𝑄 − 𝐴𝑇𝑜2 − 𝐵𝑇𝑜 = 0

where:
𝑛𝑖 𝑏𝑖 1
𝐴 = (∑ ) = (1 ∗ 𝑏𝐶𝑂2 + 2 ∗ 𝑏𝐻2𝑂 + 7.52 ∗ 𝑏𝑁2 )
2 𝑃𝑟 2
1
= (1 ∗ 0.0073 + 2 ∗ 0.00862 + 7.52 ∗ 0.00307)
2
= 0.0238132

𝐵 = (∑ 𝑛𝑖 𝑎𝑖 ) = (1 ∗ 𝑎𝐶𝑂2 + 2 ∗ 𝑎𝐻2𝑂 + 7.52 ∗ 𝑎𝑁2 )

𝑃𝑟
= (1 ∗ 44.3191 + 2 ∗ 32.4766 + 7.52 ∗ 29.2313)
= 329.091676
2
0.0238132𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 + 329.091676 𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 − 802000 − 0.0238132𝑇𝑜2 −
329.091676𝑇𝑜 = 0
2 2
0.0238132𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 + 329.091676 𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 − 810242.1752 = 0

Solve above equation we get:

𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 = 2132.9 𝐶 𝑜 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 = −15952 𝐶 𝑜 neglected

C h . F o u r | 16
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

Case 3:𝑪𝑷𝒊 = 𝒂𝒐,𝒊 + 𝒂𝟏,𝒊 𝑻 + 𝒂𝟐,𝒊 𝑻𝟐 + 𝒂𝟑,𝒊 𝑻𝟑

Apply this equation in equation no 1

𝑇𝑎𝑑
∑ 𝑛𝑖 ∫ (𝑎𝑜,𝑖 + 𝑎1,𝑖 𝑇 + 𝑎2,𝑖 𝑇 2 + 𝑎3,𝑖 𝑇 3 ) 𝑑𝑇
𝑝 𝑇𝑜
𝑇𝑖

= ∑ 𝑛𝑖 ∫ (𝑎𝑜,𝑖 + 𝑎1,𝑖 𝑇 + 𝑎2,𝑖 𝑇 2 + 𝑎3,𝑖 𝑇 3 ) 𝑑𝑇 − 𝑄

𝑅
𝑇𝑜

𝑎1,𝑖 2 𝑎2,𝑖 3 𝑎3,𝑖 4 𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖

∑ 𝑛𝑖 (𝑎𝑜,𝑖 𝑇 + 𝑇 + 𝑇 + 𝑇 ) │ 𝑇𝑜
𝑝 2 3 4
𝑎1,𝑖 2 𝑎2,𝑖 3 𝑎3,𝑖 4 𝑇𝑖
= ∑ 𝑛𝑖 (𝑎𝑜,𝑖 𝑇 + 𝑇 + 𝑇 + 𝑇 ) │ 𝑇𝑜 − 𝑄
𝑅 2 3 4
𝑎1,𝑖 2 𝑎2,𝑖 3
𝑎𝑜,𝑖 (𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) + (𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜2 ) + (𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜3 )
∑ 𝑛𝑖 [ 2 3 ]
𝑝
𝑎3,𝑖 4 4)
+ ( 𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜
4
𝑎1,𝑖 2 𝑎2,𝑖 3
= ∑ 𝑛𝑖 [𝑎𝑜,𝑖 (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) + (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜2 ) + (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜3 )
𝑅 2 3
𝑎3,𝑖 4
+ (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜4 )] − 𝑄
4
𝑛𝑖 𝑎1,𝑖 2 𝑛𝑖 𝑎2,𝑖 3
∑ 𝑛𝑖 𝑎𝑜,𝑖 (𝑇𝑎 − 𝑇𝑜 ) + ∑ (𝑇𝑎 − 𝑇𝑜2 ) + ∑ (𝑇𝑎 − 𝑇𝑂3 )
𝑝 𝑝 2 𝑝 3
𝑛𝑖 𝑎3,𝑖 4
+∑ (𝑇𝑎 − 𝑇𝑜4 )
𝑝 4
𝑛𝑖 𝑎1,𝑖 2
= ∑ 𝑛𝑖 𝑎𝑜,𝑖 (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) + ∑ (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜2 )
𝑅 𝑅 2
𝑛𝑖 𝑎2,𝑖 3 𝑛𝑖 𝑎3,𝑖 4
+∑ (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜3 ) + ∑ (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑂4 ) − 𝑄
𝑅 3 𝑅 4

Where:
𝑛𝑖 𝑎3,𝑖 𝑛𝑖 𝑎2,𝑖 𝑛𝑖 𝑎1,𝑖
𝐴 = ∑𝑝 , 𝐵 = ∑𝑝 , 𝐶 = ∑𝑝 , 𝐷 = ∑𝑝 𝑛𝑖 𝑎𝑜,𝑖
4 3 2
𝑛𝑎 𝑛𝑎 𝑛𝑎
𝐴̅ = ∑𝑅 𝑖 3,𝑖 , 𝐵̅ = ∑𝑅 𝑖 2,𝑖 , 𝐶̅ = ∑𝑅 𝑖 1,𝑖 , 𝐷
̅ = ∑𝑅 𝑛𝑖 𝑎𝑜,𝑖
4 3 2

𝐸 = 𝐴𝑇𝑜4 + 𝐵𝑇𝑜3 + 𝐶𝑇𝑜2 + 𝐷𝑇𝑜 + 𝐴̅(𝑇𝑖4 − 𝑇𝑜4 ) + 𝐵̅(𝑇𝑖3 − 𝑇𝑜3 )

+ 𝐶̅ (𝑇𝑖2 − 𝑇𝑜2 ) + 𝐷
̅ (𝑇𝑖 − 𝑇𝑜 ) − 𝑄

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Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

4 3 2
𝐴𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 + 𝐵𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 + 𝐶𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 + 𝐷𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 = 𝐸

Formula a0 a1 a2 a3 ΔHf
J/mol K J/mol K2 J/mol K3 J/mol K4 J/mol
N2 3.115E+01 –1.357E–02 2.608E–05 –1.168E–08 0.000E+00
O2 2.811E+01 –3.680E–06 1.746E–05 –1.065E–08 0.000E+00
H2 2.714E+01 9.274E–03 –1.381E–05 7.645E–09 0.000E+00
H2O 3.224E+01 1.924E–03 1.055E–05 –3.596E–09 –2.420E+05
CO 3.087E+01 –1.283E–02 2.789E–05 –1.272E–08 –1.106E+05
CO2 1.980E+01 7.344E–02 –5.602E–05 1.715E–08 –3.938E+05
CH4 1.925E+01 5.213E–02 1.197E–05 –1.132E–08 –7.490E+04
C2H4 3.806E+00 1.566E–01 –8.348E–05 1.755E–08 5.234E+04
C2H6 5.409E+00 1.781E–01 –6.938E–05 8.713E–09 –8.474E+04
C3H4 9.906E+00 1.977E–01 –1.182E–04 2.782E–08 1.923E+05
C3H4 1.471E+01 1.864E–01 –1.174E–04 3.224E–08 1.856E+05
C3H6 –3.524E+01 3.813E–01 –2.881E–04 9.035E–08 5.334E+04
C3H6 3.710E+00 2.343E–01 –1.160E–04 2.205E–08 2.043E+04
C3H8 –4.224E+00 3.063E–01 –1.586E–04 3.215E–08 –1.039E+05
C4H4 6.757E+00 2.841E–01 –2.265E–04 7.461E–08 3.048E+05
C4H6 1.255E+01 2.744E–01 –1.545E–04 3.405E–08 1.653E+05
C4H6 1.593E+01 2.381E–01 –1.070E–04 1.735E–08 1.464E+04
C4H6 1.120E+01 2.724E–01 –1.468E–04 3.089E–08 1.623E+05
C4H6 –1.678E+00 3.419E–01 –2.340E–04 6.335E–08 1.102E+05
C4H8 –2.994E+00 3.532E–01 –1.990E–04 4.463E–08 –1.260E+02
C4H8 4.396E–01 2.953E–01 –1.018E–04 –6.160E–10 –6.990E+03
C4H8 1.832E+01 2.564E–01 –7.013E–05 –8.989E–09 –1.118E+04
C4H8 –5.025E+01 5.025E–01 –3.558E–04 1.047E–07 2.667E+04
C4H8 1.605E+01 2.804E–01 –1.091E–04 9.098E–09 –1.691E+04
C4H10 9.487E+00 3.313E–01 –1.108E–04 –2.822E–09 –1.262E+05
C4H10 –1.390E+00 3.847E–01 –1.846E–04 2.895E–08 –1.346E+05

Example: Find the adiabatic flame temperature for the combustion

shown in reaction below: take the Cpi as the function’s 𝒂𝒐,𝒊 + 𝒂𝟏,𝒊 𝑻 +
𝒂𝟐,𝒊 𝑻𝟐 + 𝒂𝟑,𝒊 𝑻𝟑 .

𝐶𝐻4 + 2(𝑂2 + 3.76𝑁2) → 𝐶𝑂2 + 2𝐻2𝑂 + 7.52𝑁2

Formula a0 a1 a2 a3 ΔHf
J/mol K J/mol K2 J/mol K3 J/mol K4 J/mol
N2 3.115E+01 –1.357E–02 2.608E–05 –1.168E–08 0.000E+00
O2 2.811E+01 –3.680E–06 1.746E–05 –1.065E–08 0.000E+00
H2O 3.224E+01 1.924E–03 1.055E–05 –3.596E–09 –2.420E+05
CO2 1.980E+01 7.344E–02 –5.602E–05 1.715E–08 –3.938E+05
CH4 1.925E+01 5.213E–02 1.197E–05 –1.132E–08 –7.490E+04
Solution:
𝑛𝑖 𝑎3,𝑖 1
𝐴=∑ = (1 ∗ 1.715𝐸– 08 + 2 ∗– 3.596𝐸– 09 + 7.52 ∗– 1.168𝐸– 08)
𝑝 4 4
= −1.94689𝐸 − 8

C h . F o u r | 18
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

𝑛𝑖 𝑎2,𝑖 1
𝐵 = ∑𝑝 = (1 ∗– 5.602𝐸– 05 + 2 ∗ 1.055𝐸– 05 + 7.52 ∗ 2.608𝐸– 05) =
3 3
5.373𝐸 − 5
𝑛𝑖 𝑎1,𝑖 1
𝐶 = ∑𝑝 = (1 ∗ 7.344𝐸– 02 + 2 ∗ 1.924𝐸– 03 + 7.52 ∗– 1.357𝐸– 02) =
2 2
−0.0123792

𝐷 = ∑𝑝 𝑛𝑖 𝑎𝑜,𝑖 = 1.980𝐸 + 01 + 2 ∗ 3.224𝐸 + 01 + 7.52 ∗ 3.115𝐸 + 01 = 318.528

Ti=To

𝐸 = −𝑄 + 𝐴𝑇𝑜4 + 𝐵𝑇𝑜3 + 𝐶𝑇𝑜2 + 𝐷𝑇𝑜

= −802300 + (−1.94689𝐸 − 8) ∗ 2984 + (5.373𝐸 − 5)
∗ 2983 + (−0.0123792) ∗ 2982 + (318.528) ∗ 298
= 707210
4 3 2
(−1.94689𝐸 − 8)𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 + (5.3734𝐸 − 5)𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 − 0.0123792𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖
+ 318.528𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 + 707210 = 0

Solve the above equation, we get:

Tadi=4102K=3829 C, Tadi=-1607K neglected

Example: Find the adiabatic flame temperature for the combustion of

Methane at equivalence ration 1.1: take the Cpi as the function’s 𝒂𝒐,𝒊 +
𝒂𝟏,𝒊 𝑻 + 𝒂𝟐,𝒊 𝑻𝟐 + 𝒂𝟑,𝒊 𝑻𝟑 .

𝐶𝐻4 + 2(𝑂2 + 3.76𝑁2)

→ 0.6364𝐶𝑂2 + 0.3636𝐶𝑂 + 2𝐻2𝑂 + 7.52𝑁2
Formula a0 a1 a2 a3 ΔHf
J/mol K J/mol K2 J/mol K3 J/mol K4 J/mol
N2 3.115E+01 –1.357E–02 2.608E–05 –1.168E–08 0.000E+00
O2 2.811E+01 –3.680E–06 1.746E–05 –1.065E–08 0.000E+00
H2O 3.224E+01 1.924E–03 1.055E–05 –3.596E–09 –2.420E+05
CO2 1.980E+01 7.344E–02 –5.602E–05 1.715E–08 –3.938E+05
CH4 1.925E+01 5.213E–02 1.197E–05 –1.132E–08 –7.490E+04
CO 3.087E+01 –1.283E–02 2.789E–05 –1.272E–08 –1.106E+05
Solution:
𝑛𝑖 𝑎3,𝑖
𝐴=∑ = −2.0188𝑒 − 08
𝑝 4
𝑛𝑖 𝑎2,𝑖
𝐵 = ∑𝑝 =5.7962e-05
3

C h . F o u r | 19
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

𝑛𝑖 𝑎1,𝑖
𝐶 = ∑𝑝 = −0.0234
2

𝐷 = ∑𝑝 𝑛𝑖 𝑎𝑜,𝑖 = 301.2582
Ti=To

𝐸 = −𝑄 + 𝐴𝑇𝑜4 + 𝐵𝑇𝑜3 + 𝐶𝑇𝑜2 + 𝐷𝑇𝑜

= −802300 + (−1.94689𝐸 − 8) ∗ 2984 + (5.373𝐸 − 5)
∗ 2983 + (−0.0123792) ∗ 2982 + (318.528) ∗ 298
= −610360
4 3 2
(−1.94689𝐸 − 8)𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 + (5.3734𝐸 − 5)𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 − 0.0123792𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖
+ 318.528𝑇𝑎𝑑𝑖 + 610360 = 0

Solve the above equation, we get:

Tadi=3719 oC

Exercise about Adiabatic Flame Temperature

Note: if initial temperature not know take it 298K.
Q1: A one mole of Methane is burned at equivalence ratio (0.7), the fuel
– air mixture at initial temperature 298K. After complete combustion.
After complete combustion, determine (a) the mole fraction of
production analysis. (b) the adiabatic flame temperature.
Ans: xCO2 = 0.0668, xH2O = 0.1336, xO2 = 0.0818, xN2 = 0.7178,
Ta=3444oC
Q2: re-solution equation one but change the initial temperature of fresh
gases to 323K.
Ans: Ta=s
Q3: Analysis of production gases for IC engine show that the mole
fractions as: xCO2=0.08637, xH2O=0.1727, xO2=0.0192, xN2=0.7217.
Determine: (a) the equivalence ratio (b) the adiabatic flame temperature.
Ans: Ф=0.9, Ta= 3716.8oC

C h . F o u r | 20
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

Q4: When burned Propane in air, the approximation mole fraction

analysis of production gases is xCO2=0.1055, xH2O=0.14, xO2=0.0195,
xN2=0.7344. Fined the adiabatic flame temperature?
Ans: Ta=3746.6oC
Q5: The mole fraction of exhaust gases analysis were: xCO2=0.1457,
xH2O=0.0729, xO2=0.0202, xN2=0.76. Find: (a) the type of fuel and
equivalence ratio (b) adiabatic flame temperature.
Ans: (a) C2H2 , Ф=0.9 , (b)Ta=2733.9K
Q6: A hydrocarbon fuel is burnt at theoretical condition, the number of
moles of production gases are: nCO2=2 , nH2O=2 and nN2=3.76a.
calculation (a) the hydrocarbon form as (CxHy) (b) the adiabatic flame
temperature.
Ans: (a) C2H4 (b) Ta= 3915.3oC
Q7: A gas turbine engine used a fuel – air mixture to production power,
at the first test, it was operating with excess air condition at equivalence
ratio 1.2, the analysis of exhaust gases shows that: nCO2+nCO=1 and
nN2= 6.2667 moles. Evaluate the type of fuel and adiabatic flame
temperature?
Ans: Methane , Ta= 3622.3oC
Q8: To estimate the thermal efficiency of boiler in a steam power plant,
the mechanical engineering was doing analysis of the exhaust gases wear
reject in chimney, at some analysis, at equivalence ratio 1.8, shows the
results: nCO2=1, nCO=3, and nN2=18.8. Estimate (a) type of fuel (b)
adiabatic flame temperature.
Ans: (a)Butane C4H10 (b) Ta= 3570.5oC
Q9: the mass analysis of exhaust gases of the gas turbine engine as:
yCO2=0.06264, yH2O=0.05125, yO2=0.13667 and yN2=0.7494.
calculation: (a) the molars weight of burnt gases (b) the equivalence ratio
(c) the type of fuel (d) adiabatic flame temperature.

C h . F o u r | 21
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

Ans: (a) MWmix=28.322 (b) Ф=0.4 (c)Methane (d)Ta= 3144.1oC

Q10: A fuel – air mixture at 400K was burnt, the analysis of production
gases shown as: the number moles of gases are (nCO2=2, nH2O=2,
nO2=4.5). determine (a) equivalence ratio (b) type of fuel (c) adiabatic
flame temperature.
Ans: (a) Ф=0.4 (b) Ethylene C2H4 (c) Ta= 3170.2oC

The burning velocity

The burning velocity, of normal combustion, is more precisely

defined as the velocity at which unburned gases move through the
combustion wave in the direction normal to the wave surface.
Mitani derived a more general expression for burning velocity which is
not as explicit but converse more case as.


2 A D 
1 
2 1 1/ 2
SL  e (4.23)
 th

Where:

Dth1  K / 1 Cp is the heat diffusivity in the fresh gas (m2/s)

T1 : fresh gas temperature

A : pre-exponential constant, can be taken from table 3.1

 ,  are two parameters measure the heat released by the flame and

T  T1 
activation temperature respectively and    adi  ,    Ta / Tadi where:
 Tadi 

Ta :activation temperature set from table 3.1 and Tadi adiabatic flame

temperature calculate from equation 4.16.

3. Premixed Flame Thicknesses

C h . F o u r | 22
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

Defining and estimating a flame thickness before computation is an

obvious requirement for many numerical combustion problems because
this thickness controls the required mesh resolution: in most combustion
approaches, the flame structure must be resolve enough points must be
localized within the flame thickness.

Now, by using simple chemistry, the flame thickness (δ) defined as:

K in D1
  th
 in CpS L S L

(4.24)

Which can also write as flame Reynolds number:

 * SL
Re f  1 (4.25)
Dth1

Where all quantities Dth1  K in /(  in Cp ) , Cp , ρ and Kin are evaluated

in the fresh gases. The thickness δ (called her "diffusive thickness") may
be evaluated easily before computation as soon as the flame speed is
known.

4. Analytic solution of one-dimensional laminar combustion

The elementary case of a one – dimensional laminar flame

propagating into a premixed gas is basic problem in combustion, both for
theory and for numerical techniques. There are many ways to compute
laminar flame structure and speed depending on the complexity of the
chemistry and transport descriptions. However, when chemistry and
transport are suitably simplified, analytical or semi- analytical solution
may be developed and these shed an essential light on the behavior of
flame and on the numerical challenges to face when on tries to compute

C h . F o u r | 23
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

them in simple or complex situations. We can explain the computation of

one-dimension premixed flames as in figure (4.1):

Return to equations (4.13) and (4.14) may be simplified introducing

reduced variables:

Cp(T( x )  Tin )  T( x )  T1 
    (4.26)
Q Y f1  adi
T  T1 

The normalized temperature profiles solution gives as:

x
  1  1 /  e 
for x  0 (4.27)

1
  1 for x  0 (4.28)
1   x
e 

Then, initialize temperature is:

T( x )   Tadi  T1   T1 (4.29)

T  T1 
Where :  , are flame parameters    adi  ,    Ta / Tadi
 Tadi 

Ta :activation temperature, S L ,  are burning velocity and flame thickness

Dth1 is the heat diffusivity in the fresh gas.

Initialize velocity filed as:

T 
u( x )  u1  S L  ( x )  1 (4.30)
 Tin 

In general case u1=SL

Initialize density as:

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Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

 ( x )  in
1 (4.31)

1
(1   )
initialize fuel reaction rate as:

Ta
 S 2  2 e(  /  ) 
 
f ( x)   L
Dth1
 ( x ) Y f e T ( x ) (4.32)
 

5. Flame Front Structure

An equation for G can be derived by considering an iso-scalar surface
G( x, t )  Go (4.33)
As shown in figure 4.4 this surface divided the flow field into two regions
where G>Go is the region of burnt gas and G<Go is that of the unburned
mixture. The choice of Go is arbitrary but fixed for a particular
combustion event.

y
G(x,t)=Go

n
G >Go
dx
G <Go -n
dxn
unburned burnt

x
Figure 4.4 A schematic representation of the flame front as an iso-scalar
surface G(x,t)=Go.

The general form of the G function is:

C h . F o u r | 25
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

G
 uin . G  S L G (4.34)
t

The general solution of G function is:

G( x, t )  Go  x  F ( y, t ) (4.35)
Thus the flame front displacement F(y,t) is assumed to be a single valued
function of y as shown for the two-dimensional case in figure 4.5.

y
G=Go
unburnt

t -n
xn β
dy β
dF G burnt
F

Figure 4.5 Graphical interpretation of the G-filed. The movement of the

instantaneous flame front position G=Go is related to spatial fluctuations
F.

Applications
Bunsen Burner:

Bunsen flame cone

Mixing chamber

Bunsen tube

Premixing region
C h . F o u r | 26
air air
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

Figure 4.6 The design of a classical Bunsen burner.

ut,b=ut,u

b ub
un,b
u
Oblique flame front
un,u
SL,u
uu
α
ut,u

uu

Figure 4.7 Kinematic balance for a steady oblique flame

The kinematic balance between the flow velocity and the burning
velocity is illustrated for a steady oblique flame in figure 4.7. The
oncoming flow velocity vector uu of the unburned mixture is split into a
component ut,u that is tangential to the flame front and a component un,u
normal to the flame front. Owing to gas expansion within the flame front
the normal velocity component un,b on the burnt gas side is larger than
un,u, since, because of continuity, the mass flow ρun in normal direction
through the flame must be same in the unburned mixture and in burnt gas:
( un )u  ( un )b, (4.36)

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Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

While the density decrease. Therefore

u
un,b  un,u (4.37)
b

The tangential velocity component ut is not affected by the gas expansion

and remains the same:
ut ,b  ut ,u (4.38)
For a laminar flow the laminar burning velocity is obtained from the
kinematic balance as:
S L  un, u (4.39)
With the angle of the Bunsen flame cone in figure 4.7 denoted by α, the
normal velocity is:
un,u  uu sin (4.40)
Therefore, the laminar burning velocity with respect to the unburned gas
is :
S L  uu sin (4.41)

The Laminar Bunsen Flame on a Slot Burner

Assuming an infinite length of the slot it may be viewed as the
two-dimensional version of the axi-symmetric Bunsen burner. If the
vertical velocity u is constant and the horizontal velocity is zero in the
unburned mixture, the steady two-dimensional G-equation takes the form:
For steady state :
G G G G
 0, and G    but G is function of x and t only
t x y z

G
or G 
x

therefore, the G – function (equation 4.34) becomes as :

1/ 2
G   G  2  G  2 
 SL     
  x 
u (4.42)
x  y  
 

But the general solution of G– function gives in equation (4.35) as:

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Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

G( x, t )  Go  x  F ( y, z, t )

Inserting this into equation above (4.42), we get:

1/ 2
  F  2 
u  S L 1     (4.43)
  y  
 

α
x

Figure 4.8 A planar premixed laminar flame on a slot burner.

Re-arrangement equation (4.43) and integrated it, we get

F
u 2
 S L2   y  consta.
1/ 2
(4.44)
SL

Steady flame on Bunsen burner can only be obtained when u>SL. with the
burner rim located at x=0, y=+ b/2 where F=0, the constant in equation
4.44 is evaluated as b/2. This leads to the solution of the G – function as:

C h . F o u r | 29
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

G
u 2
 S L2 
1/ 2
 b
 y    x  Go (4.45)
SL  2

The flame surface x=xf is given by setting G=Go as

xf 
u 2
 S L2 
1/ 2
b 
  yf  (4.46)
SL 2 

The flame tip lies on the axis of the symmetry yf=0:

xo 

b u 2  S L2  1/ 2
(4.47)
2 SL

The flame angle α is then given by:

b/2 SL
tan    (4.48)
xo u  S L2
2
 
1/ 2

With tan 2   sin 2  /(1  sin 2  ) it follows that

SL
sin   (4.49)
u

_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_
Example1: for a stationary two-dimensional planer flame (2LxL m2),
suggest approximation shape for this flame.
Solution:
Assuming a F function as :
F 
 y  9L / 6
2

Then, the solution of the G function is:

G ( x )  Go  x 
 y  9 L / 6
2

If (G-Go- < 0) unburned mixture, (G-Go > 0) burned and (G-Go=0)

flame front.
Then, we are divided the region into number of small square as:

.
. . . ... . . . ..
L

.. .. .. ...... .. .. .. ....
Δy
.. .. .. ...... .. .. .. ....
Δx=Δy=L/6, Δx 2L

C h . F o u r | 30
 Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

Evaluated the G function at all nodes shown above as:

G ( L / 6)  Go  x 
 y  9 L / 6  L / 6  L / 6  9 L / 6  L / 6  8L / 12   L / 2 (negative) unburned mixture
2 2
As similar that, we well solution all nodes as shown in table below:
0 L/6 2L/6 3L/6 4L/6 5L/6 6L/6 7L/6 8L/6 9L/6 10L/6 11L/6 12L/6
X
y
0 -3L/4 - -5L/12 -L/4 -L/12 L/12 L/4 5L/12 7L/12 9L/12 11L/12 13L/12 15L/12
7L/12
L/6 -4L/6 -L/2 -L/3 -L/6 0 L/6 + + + + + + +
2L/6 - - -L/4 -L/12 L/12 L/4 + + + + + + +
7L/12 5L/12
3L/6 -L/2 -L/3 -L/6 0 L/6 L/3 + + + + + + +
4L/6 - -L/4 -L/12 L/12 L/4 5L/12 + + + + + + +
5L/12
5L/6 -L/3 -L/6 0 L/6 L/3 + + + + + + + +
6L/6 -L/4 -L/12 L/12 L/4 5L/12 + + + + + + + +

The approximation shape of flame can be as above

_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_

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Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

Exercise about Flame Front Structure

Q1: Re-solution example1 with change the F-function as :

1) F   y  9L / 6 2) F  2 y  9L / 6 3) F 
y 2
 9 L2 / 4 
4

Q2: For a stationary two-dimensional planer flame (1x1 cm2), suggest

approximation shape for this flame.
Q3: Draw the shape of flame for Bunsen burner if it size 5mm and the
the fresh gases velocity is 40cm/s and burning velocity is
45 / 2 cm/s.
Q4: Suggest approximation shape for two-dimensional flame, if the F-
function in the forms:
1) sin( ) wave 2) cos( ) wav 3)sin( ).cos( ) wav
Q5: For the figures, derive the form of the F-function:

L
2L/3 5L/4 L/2 5L/2

y 5L/4 2L L/2 3L/2 L/2

Q6: For Bunsen burner, if the F –function as second order equation

respect with y, draw the shape of flame front.

C h . F o u r | 32
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

Q7: For Bunsen burner, if the flame angle and the fresh gases velocity
are 30o, 60cm/s respectively. Analysis the flame front structure.

Example 2: For the two-dimensional flame (2LxLm2), draw

approximation shape if the F – function was descript as
 
F  ( y / 1000)1/ 2  9L / 6 / 2 . where L=1000mm, y in mm.
Solution:
Then, the solution of the G function is:

G ( x)  Go  x 
( y / 1000) 0.5
 9L / 6 
2

If (G-Go- < 0) unburned mixture, (G-Go > 0) burned and (G-Go=0)

flame front.
After divided the domain into many finite volume, the results as:

_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_
Example 3: re-solution example 2 with change the F – function as:

C h . F o u r | 33
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

1) 
F  ( y / 1000) 0.7  9L / 6 / 2 
2) F  ( y / 1000) 4

 9L / 6 / 2

3) F  1.5( y / 1000)^5  1.2  0.3 cos(4 y / 1000)  0.3 sin(4 y / 1000)

Solution:
1) The solution as

2) The solution as:

3) The solution as:

C h . F o u r | 34
Chapter Four Laminar Combustion

C h . F o u r | 35