Work

A novel mathematical framework for estimating the temperature of condensed emitters in hybrid aluminum-gas flames using emission spectroscopy

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Accurate temperature measurement in metal dust flames, particularly aluminum-based flames, is essential for understanding combustion behavior and refining simulations. Traditional methods often fail in these complex environments, making emission spectroscopy the preferred approach. However, aluminum and aluminum-gas hybrid flames present challenges due to their complexe structure, which complicates the interpretation of emission signals using standard models. This study focuses on an aluminum-methane-oxygen-argon hybrid flame, chosen for its stability and broad applicability. The research introduces a mathematical method to calculate the temperatures of condensed emitters, specifically, micrometric aluminum particles and nanometric alumina particles, by accounting for overlapping continuous emission fluxes from the flame’s layered structure. Using a high-sensitivity spectrometer (1.2 nm resolution) and combined with precise displacement system, spatially resolved emission spectra were collected from a stabilized Bunsen-type flame. For a dust concentration of 135 ± 15 g/m3, aluminum particles reached 2077 K near the flame and stabilized at around 2400 K, while alumina temperatures rose from 2608 K to 3330 K, indicating delayed oxidation in oxygen-rich zones. These values align with theoretical predictions, remaining below aluminum’s vaporization point but near alumina’s melting point. At 80 ± 20 g/m3, temperatures for aluminum (2100 K) and alumina (3250 K) showed small variation. The findings provide insights into particle combustion regimes in dust flames, advancing both experimental and modeling approaches for metal combustion systems.

Source: Measurement

DOI: 10.1016/j.measurement.2026.121814

Authors: Nelson Junior Issondj Banta, Dylan Keo, Christian Chauveau, Fabien Halter

Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Combustion Aérothermique Réactivité et Environnement, Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies Alternatives, CEA Gramat, Université d'Orléans

Language: English

Topic: Combustion and Detonation Processes

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,760

Funders: Agence Nationale de la Recherche, icare