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The autoignition of isobutane in a knocking spark ignition engine

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6513601

The chemical aspects of the autoignition of isobutane are studied experimentally in a spark ignition engine and theoretically using computer simulations with a detailed chemical kinetic mechanism. The results of these studies show that even with the relatively knock-resistant fuel, isobutane, there is still a significant amount of fuel breakdown in the end gas with a resulting heat release and temperature increase. The ability of the detailed kinetic model to predict this low temperature chemical activity is assessed and the model is modified to simulate more closely the experimental observations. The authors address the basic question of whether this first stage of combustion accounts for a chemical preconditioning of the end gas that leads to the autoignition; or whether it merely provides sufficient heat release in the end gas that high temperature autoignition is initiated.

Research Organization:
Combustion Research Facility, Sandia National Labs., Livermore, CA
OSTI ID:
6513601
Report Number(s):
CONF-870204-
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English