Search Results (3)

In order to produce reliable and reproducible ignition of lean fuel–air mixtures and highly stratified mixtures, it is necessary to ensure a high concentration of spark discharge energy and to provide a strong energy impulse for the triggering of chain processes of chemical decomposition of fuel molecules. For this reason, studies have been undertaken on the flow of electrical energy from the ignition system to the spark plug and on the formation of an electric discharge arc with a high concentration of thermal energy. The experimental results were obtained using an ignition coil energy test stand and a constant volume chamber with high-speed spark discharge recording capability. It was confirmed that increasing the charging time of the ignition coil from 0.5 ms to 5.0 ms increases the energy delivered to the coil from 9.5 mJ to 330 mJ. In the same range, the energy generated by the coil was recorded to range from 4.2 mJ to 70 mJ. The coil’s efficiency was found to decrease with increasing charging time from 45% up to 20.5%. Further energy losses were presented when the spark discharge energy was analyzed. In the paper, the results of investigations concerning electric discharge arc development have been presented, illustrated by a few exemplary photos, and discussed. The mathematical interpretation of the electrical energy flux in the ignition system resulting from the energy of the discharge arc has been conducted and illustrated by some functional independences and relationships. Full article

Powder ramjets are a kind of vehicle propulsion system with high specific impulse and efficiency. They provide significant benefits in terms of extended propulsion and thrust adjustment. The pursuit of a highly reactive fuel appropriate for powder ramjets is likely to stimulate advancements in innovative propulsion systems, which are crucial for deep space exploration and long-term space missions. This work presents experimental studies on the thermal oxidation and laser ignition performance of aluminum–magnesium–lithium powders at atmospheric pressure. TG-DSC curves of powders in three heating rates were obtained. The ignition processes and ignition delay times were recorded by a CO₂ laser ignition experiment system at a laser power of 10~60 W. The results show that at a lower heating rate of 10 K/min, the powder’s thermal hysteresis is less, and the powder energy released in stage I is more concentrated. However, the degree of heat release concentration approached a similar level at heating rates of 30 K and 50 K. The ignition delay time decreased as the laser flux density increased. When the laser flux density exceeds 80 W/cm², the effect of laser power on the ignition delay time decreases. At atmospheric pressure, the mathematical relationship between ignition delay time and laser flux density is given. Finally, the powder ignition processes at different laser powers are represented graphically. Full article

Ti/C blended powder is commonly employed as an initiating combustion agent for preparing calcium aluminate; a dedicated test system is exploited for real-time examining of the heat release of Ti/C blended powder during combustion under atmosphere conditions with an externally constant heat flux of 973 K, which is comprised of cone calorimeter, thermal-gravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope/energy dispersive spectrometer, and a theoretical thermal calculation, with the aim of quantitatively illuminating its combustion mechanism in depth. Furthermore, a comparison of the heat release property of titanium powder blended with different carbon allotropes, including natural flaky graphite (FG), carbon black (CB), expandable graphite (EG), and vermicular graphite (VG) is preliminarily investigated, to clarify the effect of different carbon allotropes on the heat release property of Ti/C blended powder. It reveals that the oxidation reaction between Ti and O₂ initiates the subsequent combination of TiC through a thermal explosion reaction, using graphite (FG, VG, or EG) and Ti powder as the starting materials, respectively. Moreover, EG facilitates an accelerated (fire growth index of 0.42 kW·m⁻²·s⁻¹) and enhanced peak heat release rate (pHRR) of 30.7 kW·m⁻² at 73 s, while VG suppresses the heat release with the pHRR of 5.2 kW·m⁻² at 64 s and fire growth index of 0.08 kW·m⁻²·s⁻¹, and FG favors the formation of TiC with a higher crystallinity from XRD. Additively, the prior NaOH-impregnation is favorable for the formation of TiC for Ti/CB blended powder, although the TiO₂ predominates final combustion production. It reveals the chemical evolution and mechanisms evolved in the formation of TiC during ignition. Full article