Enhancement of burning velocity in premixed burner flame by irradiating microwave power

It was observed experimentally that the length of a premixed burner flame was shortened by irradiating microwave power, indicating the enhancement of the burning velocity. To examine the mechanism of the enhancement of the burning velocity, we evaluated the rotational temperatures of CH and OH in the flame by optical emission spectroscopy. As a result, the rotational temperatures were unchanged by the microwave irradiation, suggesting that the enhancement of the burning velocity is not due to the increase in the gas temperature but is caused by direct effects of electron heating. (fast track communication)