Abstract:
There are numerous techniques for improving the mixing of fuel and
oxidant species. However, many of these methods cannot be applied to combustion
systems due to material limitations. A means of mixing the reacting species without
physically invading the flow stream is therefore desired.
In this work, induced electromagnetic forces known as Lorentz forces are
considered as a means of enhancing the combustion of co-flowing reactant streams. To
evaluate the effect of various parameters on the mixing process, a non-dimensional
description is derived and used to develop a numerical model. Numerical experiments are
performed based on a three level Box-Behnken design in which the dimensionless Lorentz
force parameter, Reynolds number, and Euler number are varied.
The Lorentz force parameter has a large effect on the mixing process. The
Reynolds number has a minor effect on mixing, and the Euler number has a negligible
effect. Confirmation of these results through experimental work is needed. Approaches
that could be used to verify these results experimentally are outlined, and the construction
and testing of a burner suitable for further experiments on Lorentz mixing is described.
