A Chemical Reaction in a Turbulent Jet.
Abstract
The turbulent mixing and subsequent chemical reaction of gases is an essential part of many technological processes ranging from gas furnaces to chemical lasers. Generally the chemical kinetics are well understood, but the process of turbulent mixing is not. Knowledge of where turbulent fluid is mixed on a molecular scale is critical for predicting chemical reaction rates in the flow. In this experiment the rate of a chemical reaction in an axisymmetric turbulent jet is studied, and the results are used to determine the rate of molecular mixing in the jet. A turbulent jet containing dilute ozone in an inert mixture of nitrogen and oxygen flows into a stagnant tank of nitric oxide and nitrogen. When the gases mix on a molecular scale, the ozone and nitric oxide rapidly react to produce oxygen and nitrogen dioxide. The rate at which the mixing and chemical reaction proceeds is determined by using an ultraviolet light absorption techniques to measure the time averaged ozone concentration at points throughout the jets mixing zone. The experiment establishes a criterion for determining when a reaction of known chemical kinetics is sufficiently rapid that chemical non-equilibrium has a negligible effect on the mean reactant profile.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1976
- Accession Number
- ADA027697
Entities
People
- H. W. Liepmann
- John R. Shea Iii
Organizations
- California Institute of Technology