Abstract
This study combines experimental and simulation methods to investigate the influence of nanosecond pulse surface dielectric barrier discharge (nSDBD) multi-channel ignition on the combustion process. The key characteristic parameters of the initial flame kernels, including the number, radial position, and circumferential distribution, are analysed regarding their impacts on the flame development process (FDP) and combustion characteristic parameters. The results show that adjusting nSDBD discharge parameters, such as discharge energy, pulse polarity, and pulse repetition frequency, can significantly affect combustion at standard temperature and pressure. An increase in the flame kernel number enlarges the equivalent radius and accelerates its growth rate. In a small-clearance combustion chamber, the combustion rate is slower due to the wall-inhibiting effect. Yet, multi-channel ignition shows more prominent effects, enabling the regulation of both the combustion phase and rate by changing flame kernel parameters. Additionally, when the flame kernel number is small, increasing the number significantly shortens the flame development time (FDT) and flame rise time (FRT). The kernel expansion algorithm based on image processing can effectively predict the normalized cumulative heat release (NCHR) trend when a single flame kernel parameter changes, providing theoretical guidance for ignition system design.