Numerical Investigation of 1D Freely Propagating Laminar Methane–Hydrogen Flames under the Influence of Electric Field.

Application of an external electric field-assisted combustion is a useful approach to enhance combustion efficiency and reduce pollutant emissions by actively controlling flame shape, flame–wall interactions, and thermal losses. To fully understand its potential, a detailed quantitative analysis of the interaction between the electric field and chemical kinetics is performed in this study. Specifically, one-dimensional freely propagating laminar premixed flames of methane-hydrogen fuel blends are investigated under a wide range of initial temperature, equivalence ratio, CH₄-H₂ blending ratios, and different electric field strengths. A detailed chemical kinetics mechanism coupled with ion transport and charged species reactions is used to resolve the complex flame structure and predict its response to electric forcing. The study aims to offer an improved understanding of the flame structure, including ion concentration distributions, different species’ profiles, and characteristic flame properties such as flame speed variations, adiabatic flame temperature, and flame thickness at various operating conditions, including the electric field strength and pressure. Sensitivity analyses are performed to understand the dominant reaction pathways. The charged species affect the behavior of the flame under the electric field, which is critical for flame stabilization and emission control. The insights gained will support the development of control strategies for practical combustion systems aiming at lower emissions and higher efficiency.