Three-dimensional Structures of N2-Diluted Stoichiometric H2-O2 Flames in Narrow Channels

Flame propagation and acceleration in unobstructed channels/tubes is usually assumed as symmetric. A fully optically accessible narrow channel that allows to perform simultaneous high-speed schlieren visualization from two mutually perpendicular directions was built to asses the validity of the aforementioned assumption. Here, we provide experimental evidence of the interesting three-dimensional structures and asymmetries that develop during the acceleration phase and show how these may control detonation onset in N2-diluted stoichiometric H2-O2 mixtures.