MAGNETIC PROMOTION OF COMBUSTION IN-DIFFUSION FLAMES

When a fuel gas flowed in the direction of a decreasing field strength , inhomogeneous magnetic fields were found to promote combustion in di ffusion flames. On the application of a magnetic field gradient (H(dH/ dy) = 35 T-2/m), the flame temperature increased by about 120 degrees and the flame became shorter and more brilliant. Magnetic promotion of combustion was explained by the following two kinds of air flow cause d by the magnetic force acting on paramagnetic O-2. The supply of air to the flame front increased because of the magnetic attractive force. Furthermore, magnetic convection occurred along the steepest gradient of the field because chi is linear to pO(2)/T-2. The present results suggest the possibility of magnetic control of combustion and air flow s (magnetoaerodynamics).