Energy-Efficient Transient Plasma Ignition and Combustion

Abstract

Transient plasma discharges utilizing short (30 to 100 nsec), spatially distributed streamers energized by pulsed power were investigated as a potential new method for flame ignition. Experimental results showed shorter ignition delay and pressure rise time (typically by a factor of 3 for methane-air mixtures), as well as higher maximum pressure compared to conventional spark ignition. In all cases significant modification of initial combustion chemistry appeared to be occurring, leading to more effective combustion over a wider range of pressures and fuel composition rates.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 15, 2004
Accession Number
ADA422219

Entities

People

  • Martin A. Gundersen

Organizations

  • University of Southern California

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force Research Laboratories
  • Burning Rate
  • Chemistry
  • Combustion
  • Combustion Chambers
  • Energy
  • Generators
  • High Voltage
  • Ignition
  • Ignition Lag
  • Ignition Systems
  • Lepidoptera
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Military Research
  • Pulsed Power
  • Spark Ignition
  • Turbines

Readers

  • Combustion science or combustion engineering.
  • Pulsed Power and Plasma Physics.