A Study of Quantitative Concentrations of Hydroxyl (OH) in Laminar Flat Flames Using Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF)

In these times of striving for cleaner, more efficient fuels, research is needed to provide understanding that will allow technologies to improve. Planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) is a popular, non-intrusive technique for studying flame structure. A radical species, hydroxyl (OH), is known to be found in the region between burned and unburned gases in a flame. By tuning the PLIF system to the proper wavelength, OH can be excited and its fluorescence can be imaged, resulting in a map of concentrations. Knowing where OH is located allows the flame front to be defined. Furthermore, if the concentrations of OH can be quantified then this numerical data can be used in theoretical models.;Methane is a well documented fuel and has data readily available for concentrations of OH at specific distances above the burner surface. This data was used to create a calibration curve which could then be applied to PLIF images to quantify the concentration of OH in fuels that do not have documented data. Hydrogen was selected as the fuel to be studied because of its promising future in alternatives to fossil fuels. Only by increasing our understanding of the fuel's burning behavior will we be able to use it most efficiently. Data collected can be used to verify theoretical models that predict burning efficiency, emissions and work on how to improve them.;The works of past students were verified and improved upon. As each step of the establishment of the PLIF system was repeated to gain a full understanding of the system, it was well documented. All of these documents were collected into a thorough manual of procedures that will help the next student quickly and easily learn the system.