Ignition of a Combustible Gas Mixture by a Microwave Subcritical Streamer Discharge in a High-Speed Flow

Abstract The possibilities of igniting a combustible mixture in a high-speed flow using a microwave streamer discharge are considered. The results of experimental studies of the streamer discharge structure at various pressures are presented. To quantitatively characterize the intensity of combustion of fuel ignited by a microwave discharge, pressure and temperature measurements are used in various sections of the jet in the discharge wake. The results obtained demonstrate the possibility of igniting a model combustible mixture when propane or its mixture with air is sup-plied to the discharge region. The main physical mechanisms responsible for heating the discharge plasma to the ignition temperature of the combustible mixture and their characteristic time scales are revealed. The change in the dimensions of the combustion zone with a decrease in the initial proportion of propane in the mixture is discussed. The minimum duration and minimum level of microwave radiation required to ignite a model combustible mixture under various conditions are determined.