Comparative Research of Spark Plug and MW Plasma Generator Ignition Performance

摘要

The problem of fuel/air mixture ignition in jet engines has been studied worldwide in recent years The goal of these investigations is to determine the range of dependable ignition and combustion stabilization of lean mixtures and to extend the working range with the aim to improve efficiency and environmentally acceptable characteristics of jet engines. A microwave plasma torch was employed to initiate combustion in premixed kerosene/air streams. Experiments were carried out in a model annular cavity flameholder under different ignition and stabilization conditions. The microwave plasma igniter was mounted behind a model frontal device of the turbojet combustor The air flow parameters were M-0. - 0.3 and 7*ajr = 430 - 490 K, the kerosene/air premixed equivalence ratios were in the range §z ~ 0.4 -1.1. Results were compared with the ignition initiation by a standard aviation spark plug. It was shown that the range of air flow parameters and fuel rates was much wider for the microwave igniter: thus, for mixture parameters T^,= 490 K and fe = 0 5, a dependable ignition was achieved at M- 0 3 as compared with M- 0.1 for the standard aviation spark plug.