The balance between performance, emission control and stable combustion depends largely on the mixing between the fuel and the oxidizer. In industrial processes with varying load requirements and in aviation, partially premixed flames are usually used to provide better control and greater safety. Modern high-efficiency and low-emission combustion technologies, such as gas turbines or hydrogen engines, use premixed flames. However, due to the different combustion characteristics of the fuels and the specific applications, fully premixed combustion is not always safe.

Depending on the application, efficiency, safety and emissions are given different weightings, but the aim is always safe, low-emission and efficient combustion. In the past, the combustion of unprocessed biofuels, hydrogen/air and hydrogen/oxygen mixtures have been investigated. Optical measurement techniques have been used to study the mixing of fuel and oxidant and its influence on flame geometry. The new knowledge will allow existing and future burner systems to be better adapted to sustainable fuels.