Stabilization of a Methane-Air Swirl Flame by Rotating Nanosecond Spark Discharges

Nanosecond spark discharges are among the most promising plasmas in view of combustion enhancement. The direct visualization of rotating nanosecond sparks stabilizing a lean swirling flame illustrates the coupling between aerodynamics, plasma, and combustion dynamics. Although it is commonly acknowledged that both thermal and chemical effects of the plasma may play a role, comprehensive understanding of the mechanism by which the discharges affect the flame has not been achieved yet.