Numerical simulation of quasi-steady, single aluminum particle combustion in air

Abstract

A two-dimensional numerical model of aluminum particle combustion in air is presented. This model includes nine reactions: two surface, three gaseous, one dissociation and three condensation. The initial combustion of an aluminum particle, free falling in air, shows the reaction is similar to the diffusion controlled combustion process due to the fast reaction between aluminum vapor and oxygen. The flame zone thickness is about three times that of the particle radius and at the flame zone the temperature flattens due to the dissociation of aluminum oxide. The position and temperature of the flame are strongly influenced by the aluminum oxide condensation process.