We have investigated the effect of burner surface temperature and mass
flow on OH and CH radical mole fraction profiles in 10 Torr premixed
methane/oxygen flames. Experimental flames were monitored using both f
lame emission and laser induced fluorescence. Modeling predictions usi
ng Sandia flame codes are compared to experimental results. An inverse
relationship between mass flow and flame front distance from the burn
er is observed and modeled. Lean methane/oxygen flames stabilize close
r to the burner than rich flames when mass flow is held constant. For
methane/oxygen flames at 10 Torr, the effect on the location of the fl
ame front as judged by the OH and CH profiles of a +/- 10% measurement
uncertainty in the experimental gas flow or a +/- 10% uncertainty in
the burner surface temperature, cannot be measured within experimental
precision.