The constant-volume propagating spherical flame method for laminar flame speed measurement

Laminar flame speed is one of the most important intrinsic properties of a combustible mixture. Due to its importance, different methods have been developed to measure the laminar flame speed. This paper reviews the constant-volume propagating spherical flame method for laminar flame speed measurement. This method can be used to measure laminar flame speed at high pressures and temperatures which are close to engine-relevant conditions. First, the propagating spherical flame method is introduced and the constant-volume method (CVM) and constant-pressure method (CPM) are compared. Then, main groups using the constant-volume propagating spherical flame method are introduced and large discrepancies in laminar flame speeds measured by different groups for the same mixture are identified. The sources of discrepancies in laminar flame speed measured by CVM are discussed and special attention is devoted to the error encountered in data processing. Different correlations among burned mass fraction, pressure, temperature and flame speed, which are used by different researchers to obtain laminar flame speed, are summarized. The performance of these correlations are examined, based on which recommendations are given. Finally, recommendations for future studies on the constant-volume propagating spherical flame method for laminar flame speed measurement are presented.