Effects of the geometrical parameters of a rough structure on the wall of a micro-channel on the catalytic combustion of methane and the extinction limit: a numerical study

Abstract

Micro-channel combustion plays a vital role in the micro-electro-mechanical system, the inner surface of the micro-channel is not absolutely smooth and determining whether the rough structure is beneficial to the catalytic combustion of methane is an area that is often overlooked. This work shows that increasing the depth, width and quantity of the rough structure, arranging the rough structure downstream of the micro-channel, and using a triangular rough shape can increase the conversion ratio and the extinction limit of methane. When the depth to diameter ratio of the rough elements is 0.4, the methane conversion ratio can reach 97.6% and the extinction limit can reach 18.9 m s⁻¹. This research has theoretical and engineering application values for the design of micro-combustors.