The Dynamics And Structure Of Turbulent Premixed Flames

Modern propulsion and power generation technology operates under highly turbulent conditions to promote increased efficiency. The coupled relationship between the turbulence conditions and imposed pressure gradients on reacting flow dynamics are explored by decomposing the vorticity transport terms to quantify the vorticity budgets under varying conditions. This is performed on a bluff-body reacting flow-field by utilizing the two-dimensional diagnostics of particle image velocimetry (PIV) and CH* chemiluminescence to allow for a resolved velocity field and flame front. The vorticity budget is determined by utilizing a mean conditional fluid element tracking procedure to quantify the evolution of the individual vorticity terms through the flame front.