Effect of a Weak Electric Field on the Flame of a Bunsen Burner of Gaseous Hydrocarbons and Aerosol

The results of a study of the effect of a weak electric field on the flame of a Bunsen burner, including the combustion of an aerosol consisting of microdroplets of water in an air–methane mixture, are presented. Analysis of velocity fields obtained using the PIV system showed a change in the propagation velocity of the laminar flame front under application of a weak electric field. Moreover, over a significant part of the combustion front, the propagation velocity of the laminar front can be considered constant. Confirmation has been obtained of the existence of ion wind caused by the drift of negative charge carriers. The introduction of microdroplets of water into the fuel composition reduces the concentration of charge carriers, indirect evidence of which is that the effect of the electric field on combustion in this case leads to smaller changes in the flow structure in front of the flame front.