Numerical investigation of plasma / flame interactions

Flame ignition or extinction is the result of very complex interactions between combustion chemistry and turbulence. It has been recently observed in experimental studies [1,2] that the presence of a plasma discharge in the vicinity of reaction zones affects combustion. For instance, a discharge generated in a combustion chamber produces a pool of radicals. These highly reactive species strongly interact with combustion mechanisms, promoting the ignition of very lean mixtures. Such mixtures burning at lower temperature levels than usual stoichiometric mixtures, generate less nitric oxides which are strongly related to high temperatures. Unfortunately very lean mixtures are difficult to ignite in internal combustion engines (ICE). A plasma device could then be used to produce radicals and then to favour the ignition.