The autoignition of isobutane in a knocking spark ignition engine
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 with the relatively knock-resistant fuel, isobutane, there is a significant amount of fuel breakdown in the end gas with a resulting heat release and temperature increase. The ability of the kinetic model to predict this low temperature chemical activity is assessed and the model is modified to more closely simulate the experimental observations. It is clear that a reasonable degree of low-temperature chemical activity precedes the autoignition event. We address the basic question or whether this first stage of combustion accounts for a chemical preconditioning of the end gas which leads to th autoignition; of whether it merely provides sufficient heat release in the end gas that the high temperature autoignition is initiated.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Livermore, CA (USA); Jackson State Univ., MS (USA); Lawrence Livermore National Lab., CA (USA)
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- OSTI ID:
- 6650415
- Report Number(s):
- UCRL-95644; CONF-870204-2; ON: DE87003241
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
33 ADVANCED PROPULSION SYSTEMS
330800* -- Emission Control-- Alternative Fuels
ALKENES
AUTOMOTIVE FUELS
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
COMBUSTION
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
CONTROL
ENGINES
EQUATIONS
FUELS
HEAT ENGINES
HYDROCARBONS
IGNITION
INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINES
KINETIC EQUATIONS
KNOCK CONTROL
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXIDATION
SIMULATION
SPARK IGNITION ENGINES
THERMOCHEMICAL PROCESSES