High-curvature outwardly propagating flames

A model describing the evolution of laminar, high-curvature outwardly propagating flames is presented. The model, valid in the limit of large chemical activation energies, can be useful for simulations of the evolution of flame kernels shortly after ignition when flame curvature is high and significantly modifies the local normal burning speed of the flame. Profiles of temperature across the flame as a function of flame radius are presented. The model predicts are reduction in the outward propagation rate of the flame in proportion to the reduction of reactant mass flux across the flame resulting from flame curvature. The burning speed of the flame is similarly reduced as well.