Influence of geometry on interactions between turbulence and premixed flames

Many premixed turbulent combustion studies examine planar flame configurations due to their computational and geometric simplicity. However, practical combustion systems feature more complex geometries, and the resulting turbulent premixed flames are not strictly planar. This work compares fuel-rich hydrogen turbulent premixed flames in a planar flame configuration with a strongly sheared configuration to determine whether the configuration used has an impact on the flame structure and properties. The detailed simulations for these configurations are evaluated both statistically and through the lens of a manifold combustion model, looking particularly at the effect of the progress variable dissipation rates and turbulent structures on the flame. The results indicate that the planar configuration may limit the range of turbulent premixed combustion regimes that can be accessed: the strongly sheared configuration at nominally identical flow conditions as the planar configuration yields flames with very different structures.