Blowout limits of turbulent jet diffusion flames for arbitrary source conditions

We present a formulation for the blowout limits of turbulent jet diffusion flames issuing from sources with arbitrary geometries and exit conditions into otherwise quiescent environments. It is argued that, while the liftoff characteristics of turbulent diffusion flames appear likely to be controlled by the straining out of flame sheets, the molecular mixing rate at the flame tip controls their blowout characteristics. The concept of a “far-field equivalent source” is introduced, and the local molecular mixing rate in the flow is expressed in terms of the associated far-field scaling laws. Blowout is expected when a resulting algebraic expression reaches a critical value. Results of a “flip” experiment verify the far-field equivalent source formulation. Measurements of the blowout limits over a range of geometries, fuels, and diluents show good agreement with the predictions from this formulation.