Ignition of a gaseous methane/oxygen coaxial jet

Abstract

Ignition and flame anchoring of a coaxial gaseous methane-oxygen jet have been studied using high-speed visualization techniques. Several ignition scenarios (“blowout,” “smooth,” and “strong ignition”) have been found with specific phenomenology depending, mainly, on the time delay between propellant valve opening and ignition. The time necessary for flame anchoring is shown to depend on the mass flow rate. Attached and detached flames are observed and it is found that high momentum flux ratios favour the establishment of a flame attached to the injector. For detached flames, higher chamber pressures result in smaller liftoff distances.