The goal of the ELF investigation is to improve our fundamental understanding of the effects of the flow environment on flame stability. The flame's stability refers to the position of its base, and ultimately its continued existence. Enclosed diffusion flames are commonly found in combustion systems such as power plant combustors, gas turbine combustors, and jet engine afterburners. The diffusion flame is found at the surface where the fuel jet and oxygen meet, react, and consume each other. Investigations of burner stability study the lift-off, blowout, and reattachment of the flame.
Flame stability is strongly dependent on the fuel jet velocity.
When this velocity is low, the flame anchors at the burner rim. While lifted, the flame is not attached to the burner and it appears to float in midair. Flow conditions are such that the flame cannot be maintained at the burner rim despite the presence of both fuel and oxygen. So, when the fuel jet velocity is further increased, the flame will eventually extinguish at its blowout condition. You need Shockwave Flash to view this page.