Tracking flame base movement and interaction with ignition kernels using topological methods

We segment the stabilization region in a simulation of a lifted jet flame based on its topology induced by the YOH field. Our segmentation method yields regions that correspond to the flame base and to potential auto-ignition kernels. We apply a region overlap based tracking method to follow the flame-base and the kernels over time, to study the evolution of kernels, and to detect when the kernels merge with the flame. The combination of our segmentation and tracking methods allow us observe flame stabilization via merging between the flame base and kernels; we also obtain YCH2O histories inside the kernels and detect a distinct decrease in radical concentration during transition to a developed flame.