ISSN:
1089-7690
Source:
AIP Digital Archive
Topics:
Physics
,
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Periodic variations are applied to the influxes of oxygen and methane entering a reaction vessel in which takes place a combustion reaction. We measure the temperature and chemical responses of the system as we change the forcing amplitudes, periods, and equivalence ratios. Using a simple model of a Carnot engine we calculate efficiency changes in an externally varied flux mode (VFM) of operation relative to the constant flux mode (CFM) of operation. We find increases and decreases in the average temperature, efficiency, and unburnt fuel concentrations in the VFM relative to the CFM. For certain constraints we find regions where the average temperature in the VFM is less than that of the CFM and there is an efficiency increase. We find other regions where the entire temperature response in the VFM is greater than that of the CFM and this also can lead to an efficiency increase which is due to changes in extent of combustion and heat losses. The effects of forcing amplitudes, periods, and equivalence ratios on the system are explored, and predictions of numerical calculations agree with much of the data. A simple model of the reaction limited by one reagent, and the absorption of heat by the products and the other reagent predicts for variations of one reagent the number of maxima in the response, and phase relations of external variations and the response.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.456421
