Ignition experimental study based on rotating gliding arc

Abstract Experimental studies were performed to explore the ignition performance of rotating gliding arc. Dual-axial swirler and beveled holes combined radial vanes swirler were used to produce rotating gliding arc. The ignition test with dual-axial swirler at normal temperature and pressure showed that the ignition fuel to air ratio (FAR) was reduced by more than 30 % compared with conventional ignition method. The ignition performance of four kinds of beveled holes combined radial vanes swirlers was compared. The ignition tests were also performed at the ground low temperature and high altitude conditions. The results showed that the ignition FAR was reduced by more than 20 % at ground low temperature and 3.0 km altitude and was higher at 4.5 km and 5.5 km altitude compared with the conventional ignition method. The result indicated that the low pressure had a more obvious influence on the discharge and ignition performance compared with the low temperature condition.