Development of a multiple laser-sheet imaging technique for the analysis of three-dimensional turbulent explosion flame structures

The present work describes the development of a multiple laser-sheet imaging technique for the study of turbulent, premixed flame surface structures at high Karlovitz stretch factor values. Experiments were conducted using CH4 air mixtures at 365 K and 0.5 MPa and up to a root mean square turbulence velocity of 1.5 m/s. A high-speed Nd:YAG laser capable of pulsing up to 60 kHz in conjunction with a high-speed camera and a rotating mirror was used to reconstruct time-resolved three-dimensional turbulent flames. This has, for the first time, enabled the direct measurement of wrinkled flame surface areas, along with reaction progress variable and flame brush thickness. These are important parameters for the characterization of turbulent burning rates and provide more insight into the dynamic nature of the flames and their structures. In addition, the current data aid toward direct comparison with results from combustion simulation studies.