Numerical bifurcation analysis of premixed combustion in porous inert media

In this paper we perform a numerical bifurcation analysis of a one-dimensional problem arising in premixed combustion in porous inert media. The analysis shows that multiple steady solutions may occur, that a minimal mass flow rate is required for steady combustion, and that solutions with complete combustion exist for a large range of mass flow rates, Moreover, we show that a jump discontinuity in porosity and cooling contributes to the stability of the combustion zone. The one-dimensional results are compared with computations for a corresponding two-dimensional problem. The qualitative agreement between the solutions is good along the cooling boundary, and satisfactory along the axis of symmetry. The one-dimensional problem can therefore be used as preparation for a more complex two-dimensional simulation.