Study on initial flame kernel development and local quenching effect during spark ignition process in a high-speed lean gasoline-air turbulent flow

In order to improve the ignition stability and reduce the cycle-to-cycle variation, it is necessary to understand the mechanism of the flame kernel development and the local quenching effect during the spark ignition process. In this study, experiments for the spark ignition process in a high-speed lean gasoline-air mixture turbulent flow field were conducted. OH∗ chemiluminescence measurement and focusing Schlieren photography was applied to observe the development of flame kernel and discharge channel behaviors simultaneously. Results indicated that flame kernel fragments, generated by the restrike and short- circuit of discharge channels, quenched due to the local turbulence, which led to slow flame propagation or misfire. In that cases, the initial flame kernels showed stretched behaviors, along with high curvatures.