Numerical study of a polydisperse spray counterflow diffusion flame

A counterflow two-phase diffusion flame with polydisperse spray is numerically studied in a 2D configuration, using a Lagrangian formalism for the liquid phase and accurate combustion chemistry. Results exhibit a very complex double flame structure with diffusion and premixed flames, as well as group and individual droplet burning. Monodisperse two-phase counterflow flames are also computed to help analyse the polydisperse flame, and confirm the strong link between droplet diameter and flame regime. For small droplet diameters, the flame has the same structure than a gaseous flame at a different equivalence ratio, and the total heat release of the flame increases with the droplet size. For larger droplets, the premixed mode becomes dominant and the total heat release of the flame exceeds the maximum gaseous diffusion one. (c) 2020 The Combustion Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.