Effects of gliding arc discharge penetrating a premixed flame

In this work, a reactor integrating gliding arc discharges with a premixed air/CH4 flame is built to allow the plasma column to penetrate the flame. Interactions between the gliding arc discharge and the premixed flame are studied using both electrical and optical diagnostics. Influences of flames on the gliding arc discharge are investigated using simultaneous measurements of current, voltage and high-speed images; while effects of the gliding arc on the premixed flames are studied using planar laser-induced fluorescence of hydroxyl radicals (OH) and formaldehyde (CH2O).

The flame was discovered to facilitate the ignition process of the gliding arc discharge with more frequent ignitions and lift the ignition position. The gliding arc discharge was observed to pass through the flame, and promote OH and CH2O formation in the flame. The preliminary results call for further experimental studies and modelling for a better understanding of the mechanism and kinetics of the interactions between the gliding arc discharge and the premixed flame.