ALUMINUM PARTICLE COMBUSTION.
Abstract
The report includes (1) a short literature survey on the combustion of aluminum particles, (2) a discussion of spherical combustion models and their limitations, and (3 ) a summary of experimental studies at NOTS on the combustion of aluminum in air, carbon monoxideoxygen, hydrogen-oxygen, and cyanogen-oxygen. Combustion in an inverted gas burner was followed by high-speed cinephotography; quenched residues were examined photomicrographically. Combustion initiated in air by xenon flash was investigated by streak photography and photomicroscopy of quenched residues. Results indicate that aluminum droplets burn by concurrent oxidation at the surface and in a detached reaction zone a distance from the surface. The oxide resulting from surface reaction collects into caps on the droplet surface. The product in the detached zone is Al2O3 smoke. Large oxide droplets and bubbles are associated with shedding of surface oxide present as a consequence of preignition conditions of subsequent surface oxidation. Spinning and jetting are consequences of the presence of a surface oxide. Catastrophic fragmentation appears to be related to the accumulation of surface oxide. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0632606
Entities
Organizations
- Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake