화학공학소재연구정보센터
Journal of Physical Chemistry A, Vol.113, No.29, 8164-8168, 2009
Oscillation and Synchronization in the Combustion of Candles
We investigate a simple experimental system using candles; stable combustion is seen when a single candle burns, while oscillatory combustion is seen when three candies burn together. If we consider a set of three candles as a component oscillator, two oscillators, that is, two sets of three candles, can Couple with each other, resulting in both in-phase and antiphase synchronization depending on the distance between the two sets. The mathematical model indicates that the oscillatory combustion in a set of three candles is induced by a lack of oxygen around the burning point. Furthermore, we suggest that thermal radiation may be an essential factor of the synchronization.