Effect of the electric field upon the spectra of the hydrocarbon diffusion flame

Abstract The supposition that there is a relationship between the mechanism of ion production and CH formation or C 2 extinction has been examined using the propane flame, a rectangular burner and a longitudinal electric field. Rotational temperatures of CH, C 2 and OH were measured by microphotometric tracing of the spectra, and the results of measurements of relative radiational intensities are shown graphically. It is concluded that the ions in a flame are produced in the carbon formation stage.