A comparison of two single‐pulse shock‐tube techniques: The thermal decomposition of ethyl chloride and <i>n</i>‐propyl chloride

Abstract

Abstract This investigation presents a detailed examination of the relative reliability of the comparative and absolute rate methods as they are applied to kinetic studies in the single‐pulse shock tube. For this purpose two previously studied reactions, the thermal elimination of HCl from ethyl chloride and n ‐propyl chloride, were selected and mixtures of these compounds were shock heated to temperatures in the range of 960°‐1100°K. The experimental results were analyzed by both methods and the rate constants obtained from these analyses are compared with those of previous studies. The advantages and shortcomings of both methods are noted and it is concluded that reliable kinetic data can be obtained by the absolute rate (isolation technique) method with careful examination of the gas‐dynamic flow conditions and taking cognizance of the incident shock deceleration. The limitations of the comparative rate technique encountered in the present study were similar to those detailed in previous investigations.