Fundamentals of Premixed Turbulent Combustion

Lean burning of premixed gases is considered to be a promising combustion technology for future clean and highly efficient gas turbine combustors. Yet researchers face several challenges in dealing with premixed turbulent combustion, from its nonlinear multiscale nature and the impact of local phenomena to the multitude of competing models. Filling a gap in the literature, Fundamentals of Premixed Turbulent Combustion introduces the state of the art of premixed turbulent combustion in an accessible manner for newcomers and experienced researchers alike.

To more deeply consider current research issues, the book focuses on the physical mechanisms and phenomenology of premixed flames, with a brief discussion of recent advances in partially premixed turbulent combustion. It begins with a summary of the relevant knowledge needed from disciplines such as thermodynamics, chemical kinetics, molecular transport processes, and fluid dynamics. The book then presents experimental data on the general appearance of premixed turbulent flames and details the physical mechanisms that could affect the flame behavior. It also examines the physical and numerical models for predicting the key features of premixed turbulent combustion.

Emphasizing critical analysis, the book compares competing concepts and viewpoints with one another and with the available experimental data, outlining the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. In addition, it discusses recent advances and highlights unresolved issues. Written by a leading expert in the field, this book provides a valuable overview of the physics of premixed turbulent combustion. Combining simplicity and topicality, it helps researchers orient themselves in the contemporary literature and guides them in selecting the best research tools for their work.

Andrei N. Lipatnikov, Ph.D., is an associate professor at the Department of Applied Mechanics at Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden. He graduated from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) in 1984 and obtained his Ph.D. from the same institute in 1987. Dr. Lipatnikov’s academic activities have been concerned with research on turbulent and laminar combustion processes, pollutant formation in flames, autoignition of premixed mixtures, and numerical modeling of combustion in spark ignition engines. He has published more than 190 scientific contributions, including 59 journal papers. Dr. Lipatnikov is a member of the Combustion Institute.