Effects of a diluent inert gas on ethylene and propane bunsen flames
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Authors
Erk, J.T.
Smith, H.A.
Subjects
Advisors
Morrison, R.B.
Date of Issue
1956-05-15
Date
Publisher
University of Michigan
Language
Abstract
An earlier investigation of flame phenomena at the University of Michigan correlated flame speed with a non-dimensional parameter, the Peclet number. This investigation was undertaken to study the effect of inert diluents on flame speed and to determine whether the above correlation is valid when diluents are introduced into the unburned gases. A Bunsen burner flame was employed in this investigation using propane and ethylene as fuels. In addition to normal air, four volumetric nitrogen-oxygen ratios were used, ranging from 1. 0:1 through 5. 75:1. Data was recorded at pressures from one atmosphere down to 1/4 atmosphere, using burner nozzles from 1/8 to 3/4 inches in diameter. For a given fuel and nitrogen-oxygen combination, an endeavor was made to hold constant the following quantities: oxygen-fuel ratio, jet velocity, and flame shape. As a result of this study, it has been concluded that:
1. The previous correlation of flame speed with Peclet Number holds for the range of diluent inert gases investigated.
2. Flame speed varies inversely with the concentration of the diluent gas.
3. Apparent flame speed diverges more rapidly from true flame speed, at reduced pressures, as the nitrogen concentration is reduced.
4. The slope of the true flame speed envelope varies inversely with nitrogen concentration.
5. By application of adiabatic flame temperatures, it is possible to predict flame speeds throughout the range of diluent concentrations and pressures, knowing only the flame speeds at any two diluent concentrations.
This study was conducted at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan during the Spring of 1956, under the supervision of Professor R. B. Morrison of the Aeronautical Engineering Department.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Aeronautical Engineering