Lewis-number effects on edge-flame propagation
Activation-energy asymptotics is employed to explore effects of the Lewis number, the ratio of thermal to fuel diffusivity, in a one-dimensional model of steady motion of edges of reaction sheets. The propagation velocity of the edge is obtained as a function of the relevant Damköhler number, the ratio of the diffusion time to the chemical time. The results show how Lewis numbers different from unity can increase or decrease propagation velocities. Increasing the Lewis number increases the propagation velocity at large Damköhler numbers and decreases it at small Damköhler numbers. Advancing-edge and retreating-edge solutions are shown to exist simultaneously, at the same Damköhler number, if the Lewis number is sufficiently large. This multiplicity of solutions has a bearing on potential edge-flame configurations in non-uniform flows.