INFERNITYFLAME IN FREEFALL

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Attribute
Hardware groupSPICE duct group
Pillars
Prevention
Fuel phaseGaseous
MaterialMethane, ethylene and nitrogen-diluted variants
ShapeLaminar jet diffusion flame in a co-flow of air
SizeSPICE nozzle set with additional nozzle sizes
O2 concentration21%
PressureVaried / not specified
AirflowVaried / not specified
FacilityMicrogravity Science Glovebox (MSG) with the SPICE flow duct
Module / vehicleInternational Space Station
Sensors
  • Still and video imaging of the flame base
  • Temperature field measurements
  • Flow and fuel mass flow controllers
  • Anemometer for co-flow velocity
Variables tested
  • Fuel type and nitrogen dilution
  • Burner diameter
  • Liftoff velocity limits
  • Attached through lifted flame conditions
ObjectivesCharacterize diffusion flame structure at the stabilizing region from attached to lifted conditions and identify liftoff limits as a function of fuel, burner diameter and flow.
Key findings
  • Characterized flame structure at the base from attached through lifted conditions.
  • Identified liftoff velocity limits for methane, ethylene and diluted fuels.
  • Served as a precursor to the ACME CLD Flame experiment, de-risking the later investigation.
  • Provided photographic observations of transient liftoff behavior that is extremely difficult to capture in normal gravity.
Relevant environments
Spacecraft cabinSpace station
SourceNASA PSI