Simulating Gravity in Microgravity Combustion Using Electric Fields

Abstract

A small number of intermediate reactions during the combustion of hydrocarbon fuels produces chemi-ions. When acted upon by an electric field, the resulting ion-driven wind modifies the flame by producing a complex coupling that can affect flame shape, soot formation, and stability limits. Nearly all work to date involving electric fields and combustion has been performed under the influence of gravity, which produces a similar and potentially confounding influence. The following work compares the effect of an electric field on a jet flame in 1 g and µg. All tests are performed at the NASA Glenn 2.2-s Drop Tower. Testing shows that microgravity flames can be manipulated to resemble 1 g flames by using an electric field alone.

Keywords:

• Electric field
• Flame structure
• High voltage
• Methane flames
• Microgravity

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work is supported by NASA's ISS Research Project via agreement NNX07AB55A. The efforts of Clinton Proctor, Kevin Swenson, and the NASA Glenn Drop Tower staff are greatly appreciated.

Notes

Published as part of the 23rd International Colloquium on the Dynamics of Explosions and Reactive Systems (ICDERS) Special Issue with Guest Editor Derek Dunn-Rankin.