Localised forced ignition of globally stoichiometric stratified mixtures: A numerical investigation

Localised forced ignition of globally stoichiometric stratified mixtures (i.e. < φ > =1.0) has been analysed here based on direct numerical simulations for different initial values of velocity and equivalence ratio fluctuations (i.e. u′ and φ′), and the Taylor micro-scale lφ of equivalence ratio φ variation. The localised ignition is accounted for by a source term in the energy transport equation which deposits energy over a stipulated time interval. It has been found that combustion takes place predominantly under premixed mode in the case of successful ignition. The initial values of φ′ and lφ have been found to have significant effects on the extent of burning of stratified mixtures following localised ignition. It has been found that an increase in u′(φ′) has adverse effects on the burned gas mass, whereas the effects of lφ on the extent of burning are non-monotonic and dependent on φ′. Detailed physical explanations have been provided for the observed u′, φ′ and lφ dependences on the extent of burning in stratified mixtures.