A Discussion of Turbulent Flame Structure in Premixed Charges

Propagation of turbulent flames in spark-ignition engines is considered from the viewpoint of the different possible regimes of premixed turbulent combustion.

Nondimensional parameters defining known combustion regimes are reviewed, and numerical values of these parameters are estimated for both research and production engines. The reaction-sheet regime is inferred to apply at least for some operating conditions, and therefore literature on turbulent flame propagation in the reaction-sheet regime is reviewed. Implications of these results on interpretations of existing experimental observations of combustion in engine cylinders and on modeling of turbulent flame propagation in engines are discussed.