A Computational Model of the Structure and Extinction of Strained, Opposed Flow, Premixed Methane-

The application of laminar flamelet concepts to turbulent flame propagation requires a detailed understanding of strained laminar flames. Here we use numerical methods, including are-length continuation, to simulate the complex chemical kinetic behavior in premixed methane-air flames that are stabilized between two opposed-flow burners. We predict both the detailed structure and the extinction limits for these flames over a range of fuel-air mixtures. In addition to discussing the flame structure, a sensitivity analysis provides further insight on the chemical behavior near extinction. Finally, we discuss the comparison of the predictions with Law's experimental extinction data. An especially important aspect of this comparison is the recognition that fluid mechanical aspects of the traditional strained-flame analysis are deficient in representing experiments such as Law's. We develop and solve a new system of equations that is able to describe the experiments much more accurately.