Propagation of CH4-N2O-N2 flames in a closed spherical vessel

Abstract

Flammable fuel-N2O mixtures raise safety and environmental protection issues in areas where these mixtures are used (such as: industry, research, internal combustion engines). Therefore, it is important to know their laminar combustion velocities and propagation speeds—important safety parameters for design of active protection devices against gas explosions and corresponding safety recommendations. In this paper, the laminar combustion velocities of N2-diluted CH4-N2O flames, obtained in experiments on outwardly propagating flames, at various initial pressures (within 0.5–2.0 bar) and room temperature, are reported. The experiments were made in a 0.5 L spherical cell with central ignition. The laminar combustion velocities were calculated from the constants of cubic law of flame propagation during the early stage of closed cell explosions and the expansion coefficients of unburned flammable mixtures, using the adiabatic model of the flame propagation. The expansion coefficients were determined from equilibrium calculations on flames propagating under isobaric conditions. The laminar combustion velocities were compared with data reported in the literature. Using the laminar combustion velocities and the expansion coefficients, the propagation speeds of N2-diluted CH4-N2O flames were calculated. Both laminar combustion velocities and propagation speeds decrease with the initial pressure increase.