The influence of low-temperature chemistry on partially-premixed counterflow n-heptane/air flames

摘要

The continuous research towards novel combustion technologies, operating at high temperatures and pressures, has recently raised the question of the influence of low temperature chemistry in such conditions. As a first step in identifying the potentially critical conditions where low-temperature oxidation might play a major role, this theoretical study investigates the steady-state flame evolution of 1-dimensional, partially-premixed counterflow diffusion flames. To this purpose, n-heptane is used as reference species, as representative of real fuels. Its kinetic mechanism, including the low- and high temperature oxidation paths of n-alkanes, is indeed well-validated. Considering fuel-rich and lean conditions, the parametric space of (i) inlet temperature, (ii) pressure and (iii) strain rate is explored.