In order to better understand the stratified combustion, the propagation of flame through stratified mixture field in laminar and turbulent flow conditions has been studied by using combined PIV/PLIF techniques. A great emphasis was placed on developing methods to improve the accuracy of local measurements of flame propagation. In particular, a new PIV approach has been developed to measure the local fresh gas velocity near preheat zone of flame front. To improve the resolution of measurement, the shape of interrogation window has been continuously modified based on the local flame topology and gas expansion effect. Statistical analysis of conditioned local measurements by the local equivalence ratio of flames allows the characterization of the properties of flame propagation subjected to the mixture stratification in laminar and turbulent flows, especially the highlight of the memory effect.

This book provides state-of-the-art advances in several areas of importance in energy, combustion, power, propulsion, environment using fossil fuels and alternative fuels, and biofuels production and utilization. Availability of clean and sustainable energy is of greater importance now than ever before in all sectors of energy, power, mobility and propulsion. Written by internationally renowned experts, the latest fundamental and applied research innovations on cleaner energy production as well as utilization for a wide range of devices extending from micro scale energy conversion to hypersonic propulsion using hydrocarbon fuels are provided. The tailored technical tracks and contributions from the world renowned technical experts are portrayed in the respective field to highlight different but complementary views on fuels, combustion, power and propulsion and air toxins with special focus on current and future R&D needs and activities. The energy and environment sustainability require a multi-pronged approach involving development and utilization of new and renewable fuels, design of fuel-flexible combustion systems that can be easily operated with the new fuels, and develop novel and environmentally friendly technologies for improved utilization of all kinds of gas, liquid and solid fuels. This volume is a useful book for practicing engineers, research engineers and managers in industry and research labs, academic institutions, graduate students, and final year undergraduate students in Mechanical, Chemical, Aerospace, Energy and Environmental Engineering.