Ignition and flame holding ability of plasma torch igniter in a supersonic flow

In order to study the application of plasma torch igniter in the scramjet engine, a numerical and experimental study was conducted in a Mach 2 supersonic flow with the ethylene and hydrogen. A detailed analysis of ignition and flame holding characteristics was done at the fuel equivalence ratio from 0.1 to 0.55, and the total temperature between 1500 K and 1950 K. The results show that the plasma torch has a positive effect on the ignition process, but the promotion on combustion efficiency is unapparent. An 8 step 9 species and a 3 step 6 species reaction model were used to simulate the ethylene supersonic combustion. The numerical results of 8 step reaction model agrees well with the experimental results.