Soot Particle Inception and Growth Processes in Combustion.
Abstract
The present research program is intended to provide a fundamental understanding of the processes controlling soot particle formation under conditions applicable to future gas turbine engine operation. During the current year of the effort, work has emphasized the effects of concentration and temperature on the formation of soot particles. Through a carefully structured study, the effects of adding a diluent to the fuel stream of a diffusion flame have been studied. Measurements and modelling efforts have shown that differences in the initial concentration of fuel are rapidly mitigated by diffusional processes. Consequently, local concentration variations are reduced between the initial undiluted and diluted flow cases. Furthermore, local temperature measurements indicate that even under equal adiabatic flame conditions, the local temperature in the soot forming region can differ by 40K between flames involving nitrogen or argon as the diluent. These differences in temperature are argued, based on previous work by other researchers, to be a possible source for the observed effects on soot formation. Additionally, consideration has been given to residence time effects, largely a result of delays in the onset of soot formation which reduces the effective time for soot growth.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA239157
Entities
People
- Robert J. Santoro
Organizations
- Pennsylvania State University