COMBUSTION OF A SPINNING FUEL DROPLET

A theoretical investigation into the effects of rotation on the burnin g characteristics of an isolated fuel droplet is presented. Rotation i nduces a secondary flow in the gas phase inward towards the droplet pa les and outward from the equator. Overall, additional heat is transpor ted from the dame to the droplet, enhancing the vaporization and burni ng processes and shortening the droplet lifetime. Explicit expressions are given for the burning rate and for the variations in the droplet diameter. The distorted flame shape and the modified flame stand-off d istance are also determined. Although it enhances the burning, the swi rling makes the flame more susceptible to extinction. It is found that when extinction occurs it first takes place locally either at the pol es of the flame sheet or at the equator, depending on how far conditio ns are from stoichiometry.