Model and Igniter Development for Plasma Assisted Combustion

Abstract

Abstract : Recent progress on the authors' efforts to develop a detailed kinetic mechanism for C(sub 8)H(sub m) hydrocarbons and practical plasma igniters for plasma-assisted combustion are discussed. Shock tube validation experiments made in argon using a fixed stoichiometry (PHI = 1.0), pressures of approximately 0.95 and 1.05 atm, and temperatures ranging from 850 to 1200 K (post-reflected shock) are presented. The mechanism is being expanded to include electron kinetics and to allow for a degree of nonequilibrium modeled with separate electron and gas temperatures. Quantum calculations used to derive needed electron impact ionization/dissociation cross-sections for hydrocarbons are discussed. In addition, ignition of ethylene fuel in a Mach 2 supersonic flow with a total temperature of 590 K and pressure of 5.4 atm is demonstrated using a low frequency discharge with peak and average powers reaching 8 kW and 2.8 kW, respectively. (7 figures, 28 refs.)