Forced ignition of laminar premixed spherical flames in evaporating fuel droplet mists

Abstract

This study aims to build a theoretical model to describe the ignition process of spherical spray flame laden with fuel droplets under overall fuel-lean condition. Two characteristic fronts are introduced to reveal where the evaporation starts and ends in the ignition process. The results demonstrate that the flame has been strengthened with extra fuel droplet adding while the minimum ignition energy (MIE) is decreased. The evolution of the two evaporation fronts in the flame kernel and propagating branches has also be revealed coupled with the evaporation zone length.