Effect of electric field on the ignition of methane–air mixtures

A significant decrease in the ignition temperature of stoichiometric methane–air mixtures in a constant electric field, which did not lead to a breakdown in the gas, was observed experimentally. A kinetic interpretation of this phenomenon is proposed. The discovered effect offers an opportunity of controlling the ignition of combustible mixtures and expanding the temperature and concentration limits of their ignition at the lowest possible expenditure of external energy.