Content of research

Combustion phenomena are accompanied by a local temperature rise, which always results in natural convection in the surrounding air . This complicates the phenomena and makes it difficult to understand the fundamentals. In this study, we will utilize the microgravity environment to remove the natural convection and understand the fundamental processes (diffusion, heat conduction, soot formation, ignition, flame propagation, etc.) of combustion phenomena, which will be useful for numerical prediction and modeling of combustion devices. Hokkaido University has an approximately 40-meter drop tower that can be used at any time, making it easy to conduct microgravity experiments, and is also involved in international joint research to conduct microgravity experiments using aircraft and the International Space Station. Thus, we are in a favorable environment to conduct combustion research using the microgravity environment.

Potential for social implementation

• Based on the accumulated experience and results with microgravity combustion research, we are studying the combustion characteristics of solid materials and fire suppression, soot formation mechanisms, wall adhesion, and instability phenomena in gaseous combustion. This research can contribute to safety and security in actual life and industrial combustion equipment from a fundamental perspective.

Appealing points to industry and local governments

This study is very effective when observation of the phenomena in the absence of gravity is indispensable, for instance, for modeling and numerical prediction of the target equipment.