Ignition Characteristics of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWCNTs) Utilizing a Camera Flash for Distributed Ignition of Liquid Sprays (Preprint)
Abstract
We have studied ignition characteristics of SWCNTs with an ordinary camera flash. Our ultimate goal is to use SWCNTs as a means for ignition of liquid rocket fuel sprays. Based on the initial results, we believe this approach enables volumetric and distributed ignition of fuel sprays. Our preliminary investigation was concentrated on the effects of two different incident light source pulse widths on minimum ignition energy (MIE) from 350-1500 nm, effects of degree of sample compactness (packing) on the ignition characteristics, effects of percent iron (Fe) content of the SWCNTs samples, and initial measurements of sound pressure level (SPL) from the photo acoustic phenomenon. Our results indicate that the shorter pulse width (with lower energy/pulse) required -30-35 mJ/pulse to initiate ignition of the un-compacted samples in standard air whereas the longer pulse width (with higher energy/pulse) needed -80-90 mJ/pulse to achieve the same results. For lightly-compressed samples, MIE remains unchanged; otherwise it increases with increased level of compression. Our results suggest that samples with less than 30% Fe content (by weight) cannot be ignited with the utilized camera flash in air. Additionally, we found interesting photo-acoustic behavior and some other novel phenomena associated with radiation absorption by SWCNTs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA511240
Entities
People
- Alan Badakhshan
- B. Chehroudi
- Christopher W. Morgan
- Stephen A. Danczyk
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory