Modeling flow and heat transfer in vortex burners

We here develop a powerful approach to predict and optimize flow pattern, and to improve heat and mass transfer in vortex burners. We obtain new analytical solutions of the Navier-Stokes, heat, and diffusion equations and develop the technique of matching asymptotic expansions. This allows us to describe complex swirling flows with recirculation zones and threedimensional fields of temperature and concentration. This approach helps us to deduce the appropriate flow pattern, shape, and position of a flame front, as well as the heat transfer and geometry of the vortex burner. We find optimal parameters for flame stabilization and flamesurface expansion, prolonging the residence time of the reactants and reducing the emission of NOX. Our approach greatly facilitates the finding of the optimum since it is much less laborious than CFD methods, and allows a wider parametric search.