Combustion Chemistry of Chain Hydrocarbons
Abstract
The current understanding of the combustion chemistry of paraffin hydrocarbons is summarized. Emphasis is placed on reviewing the semiempirical methods presently available for modelling alkyl hydrocarbon combustion. The anomalies inherent in some of the existing models and approaches to improve both qualitative and quantitative predictive capabilities are discussed. Modelling alkane combustion chemistry over extended ranges of equivalence ratio, pressure, and temperature, requires the consideration of sequential but partially overlapping processes: an initial period of induction phase chemistry; conversion of primary aliphatics to olefins, oxidation of the resulting oelfins to carbon monoxide, and simultaneous oxidation of hydrogen produced in the hydrocarbon destruction. The conditions under which the induction phase chemistry can be neglected in modelling efforts is explored. HO2 chemistry is found to be required in order to extend the applicability of detailed hydrogen/ carbon monoxide/oxygen mechanisms to ranges of pressure and temperature normally used in practical combustion system modelling. Functional quasi-global kinetic expressions for alkane oxidation are discussed and errors in some published results on overall rate coefficients are clarified. Stress is given to the advantages of quasi-global kinetic modelling and the additional modifications required for these models to have greater applicability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1977
- Accession Number
- ADA132140
Entities
People
- Frederick L. Dryer
- Irvin Glassman
Organizations
- Princeton University