The Application of a Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer to a Study of Methane Oxidation in Shock Waves

Abstract

A part of the mass-spectrometer shock-tube apparatus was improved, and its working characteristics were examined. The oxidation of methane was studied with this apparatus over the temperature range of 1800–2500 K and the total pressure range of 360–560 Torr at O2/CH4 ratios of 1–3. The induction period was measured by monitoring the oxygen concentration, and the following equation was found to hold:τ=4.54×10−10[CH4]0.37[O2]−0.64exp(35600⁄RT) sin which the concentrations were expressed in mol per cubic centimeter.