Radiative Transfer in Combustion Systems

Abstract

Thermal radiation is an important heat transfer mode in many combustion systems. This article addresses experimental and computational works on radiative transfer in these systems. Attention is restricted to works where thermal radiation was accurately measured or simulated. The effects of radiative transfer in laminar flames and a few works where these effects were investigated are discussed first. Then, turbulent free flames are addressed. The importance of non-gray models for reliable prediction of thermal radiation, especially in nonluminous gaseous flames, is emphasized. The interaction between turbulence and radiation is also highlighted. Confined turbulent flames in laboratory combustion chambers are addressed next, beginning with gaseous flames and then discussing radiative transfer in liquid spray and coal flames. Finally, industrial applications are considered, namely, gas turbine combustors, industrial furnaces, and utility boilers, and a brief reference to other applications is made. A few general conclusions are summarized in the last section.