A two-dimensional model is presented simulating the combustion characteristics of a premixed propane-oxygen flame at elevated pressures. The model takes account of the turbulent flow characteristics, the reaction rates controlled by mixing and chemical kinetics mechanisms and heat transfer with convection and radiation. The equations are integrated with the use of the finite-volume method and are solved for the velocity field, the temperature field and the concentration of reactants and products. The computational results are compared with experimental data from the literature with satisfactory qualitative agreement. The mechanisms that control the premixed combustion phenomenon under different pressures (atmospheric and higher pressures) are analysed. The effects of elevated pressure on the turbulence characteristics are established and are used for the evaluation of the performance of the employed two-dimensional computational model. Copyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.