The Diffusion Stratification Effect in Bunsen Flames

Abstract

The thermal diffusion flame model for a bimolecular reaction under stoichiometry conditions of the fresh mixture was examined. The structure of the flame tip of the Bunsen cone was studied. A local breakdown in the stoichiometry in the vicinity of the reaction zone was found such that the light component is always insufficient. For Lewis numbers greater than unity, the flame front is continuous. The temperature at the exit from the reaction zone exceeds the adiabatic temperature of the combustion products. For a Lewis number of the light component less than unity, either a flame with a continuous front, the temperature of which is less than the adiabatic temperature, or a flame with an exposed tip is possible. The problem is solved on the assumption of a strong temperature dependence of the reaction rate.