The unsteady interaction between a vortex pair and a premixed flame kernel in 2D is investigated numerically using direct numerical simulations with a detailed reaction mechanism for hydrogen chemistry. The simulations are based on variations of the vortex size and strength with respect to a base case and in comparison with an unperturbed premixed flame kernel. The simulations result in two different regimes for flame kernel-vortex interactions, which, based on the parameter range considered, are consistent with experimental observations. The first regime, the global extinction regime, is characterized by an interaction that is initiated when the kernel is still small compared to the vortex pair core size. The second regime corresponds to an interaction later in time when the kernel size is larger than the vortex pair core size, which results primarily in a wrinkling effect on the flame kernel. Computations of different global quantities show that the vortex-pair causes an enhancement in the flame surface area and the volumetric fuel consumption rate in the break through regime. However, there is a reduction in the global consumption speed during the interaction associated with the effect of stretch on flame structure. A rescaling of the time scale, taking into consideration the vortex-pair translational velocity, is derived, which represents the main effect of the vortex-induced stretch on the flame surface area. Moreover, a new parameter is derived to evaluate the fraction of mutually interacting flames. Downstream interactions, which correspond to the proximity of flames from their burned gas side, are the dominant contribution to flame-flame interactions. (c) 2006 The Combustion Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.