The goal of this program is to understand turbulence chemistry interactions in combustion up to and including localized extinction. Experimentally, pilot stabilized non premixed turbulent jet flames of selected mixtures are being studied under conditions conducive to strain-induced local extinction. Laser based techniques such as Raman scattering and Rayleigh scattering are employed. Analytically, models based on the asymptotically thin flamelet concept and on distributed reaction zone concepts are being assessed. A significant finding is that the popular contemporary view of a turbulent flame as an ensemble of asymptotically thin flamelets seems incorrect. Alternative mechanisms based on thick flamelets are proposed. The results include: (1) A complete re evaluation of Raman data showing significant corrections due to high temperature effects. Keywords: Turbulence chemistry interactions, Extinction, Blowoff, turbulent diffusion flames, Superequilibrium, Laser diagnostics.

Several researchers have examined the concept of flame stability and there has been little agreement regarding the reasons governing this phenomenon. The experiments described within were devised to establish the dominating stabilization mechanism in lifted flames. Specifically, the flame base of lifted methane-jet diffusion flames were examined through the use of various combinations of synchronized laser-based techniques involving particle image velocimetry (PIV), planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF), and Rayleigh scattering. Results indicate the presence of a structure termed a flame. Results involving the gradient in the Rayleigh signal across the flame base, in addition to two-shot CH-PLIF interpretations support the leading-edge flame as a primary stabilization mechanism. The extent of premixing upstream of the flame base has been a major source of disagreement in the past. The simultaneous Rayleigh and CH-PLIF images indicate the base of the lifted flame lies in a region that is within the flammability limits of methane burning in air. Furthermore, the average velocity at the stabilization point is 1.18 m/s (as determined from the simultaneous CH-PLIF and PIV investigation); this value is comparable to three times the laminar burning velocity of methane (~ 3S), thereby supporting previous numerical triple flame simulations. Results from the joint two-shot CH-PLIF and PIV technique show that the flame base velocity is independent of the flow conditions when the flame is stationary during the time separation of the CH-PLIF pulses. Specifically, flames with Re flow conditions. Finally, regions of local extinction -- as indicated by openings in the CH profiles -- were examined. Results from four experiments (simultaneous CH-PLIF and PIV, simultaneous CH-PLIF and OH-PLIF, simultaneous CH-PLIF and Rayleigh scattering, and simultaneous two-shot CH-PLIF and PIV) provide complementary information regarding the role of large-scale fuel vortices in initiat.

Turbulence chemistry interactions have been studied experimentally and theoretically in the context of turbulent diffusion flames. The goal is a quantitative understanding of these interactions under a wide range of conditions. These range from low Reynolds number conditions ('weak' interactions, affecting primarily the levels of intermediate species, pollutants and combustion efficiency) to high Reynolds number conditions, where the flame can be extinguished by intense turbulent straining. Jet flames in coflowing air have been emphasized, with a coannular pilot burner used where necessary for stabilization at the burner lip. Fuels have consisted of carbon dioxide/H2 mixtures with the fraction of hydrogen successively reduced to promote extinction. Reynolds numbers have been increased to the point of blowoff. Major species and temperature have been measured by Raman scattering, and velocity and turbulence have been measured by laser velocimetry. These experiments have provided a comprehensive set of data on CO/H2 flames, extending to conditions conducive to localized extinction. The data show significant temperature decrements due to finite-rate chemistry but no evidence of localized extinction. Keywords: Turbulence, Chemistry interactions, Extinction, Turbulent diffusion flames, Superequilibrium, Laser diagnostics. (MJM).

The three-volume set, LNCS 2667, LNCS 2668, and LNCS 2669, constitutes the refereed proceedings of the International Conference on Computational Science and Its Applications, ICCSA 2003, held in Montreal, Canada, in May 2003.The three volumes present more than 300 papers and span the whole range of computational science from foundational issues in computer science and mathematics to advanced applications in virtually all sciences making use of computational techniques. The proceedings give a unique account of recent results in computational science.