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21 records · Page 2

Velocity Fields of Axisymmetric Hydrogen-Air Counterflow Diffusion Flames from LDV, PIV, and Numerical Computation

Laminar fuel-air counterflow diffusion flames (CFDFs) were studied using axisymmetric convergent-nozzle and straight-tube opposed jet burners (OJBs). The subject diagnostics were used to probe a systematic set of H2/N2-air CFDFs over wide ranges of fuel input (22 to 100% Ha), and input axial strain rate (130 to 1700 Us) just upstream of the airside edge, for both plug-flow and parabolic input velocity profiles. Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) was applied along the centerline of seeded air flows from a convergent nozzle OJB (7.2 mm i.d.), and Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV) was applied on the entire airside of both nozzle and tube OJBs (7 and 5 mm i.d.) to characterize global velocity structure. Data are compared to numerical results from a one-dimensional (1-D) CFDF code based on a stream function solution for a potential flow input boundary condition. Axial strain rate inputs at the airside edge of nozzle-OJB flows, using LDV and PIV, were consistent with 1-D impingement theory, and supported earlier diagnostic studies. The LDV results also characterized a heat-release hump. Radial strain rates in the flame substantially exceeded 1-D numerical predictions. Whereas the 1-D model closely predicted the max I min axial velocity ratio in the hot layer, it overpredicted its thickness. The results also support previously measured effects of plug-flow and parabolic input strain rates on CFDF extinction limits. Finally, the submillimeter-scale LDV and PIV diagnostics were tested under severe conditions, which reinforced their use with subcentimeter OJB tools to assess effects of aerodynamic strain, and fueVair composition, on laminar CFDF properties, including extinction.

Pellett, Gerald L.↗

Design improvements for a recirculating reactor: Enhanced temperature measurement and sample-isolated reactivity in steady-state kinetic studies

Building upon a previous recirculating reactor design [S.A. Tenney, K. Xie, J.R. Monnier, A. Rodriguez, R.P. Galhenage, S. Audrey, D.A. Chen, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 84, 104101 (2013)], we present significant improvements that address key limitations in steady-state kinetic measurements for heterogeneous catalysis. The enhanced reactor design features direct sample heating with a focused IR lamp and temperature measurement in direct contact with the sample, enabling more accurate temperature control and improved kinetic analysis. A critical advancement is the isolation of sample reactivity from reactor wall contributions, ensuring that only the sample contributes to measured reaction rates. This was a limitation in earlier designs where the entire reactor contributed to the observed reactivity. The system incorporates a bypass flow cell for direct comparison with powder catalysts under identical conditions using a standard plug-flow reactor configuration. We demonstrate these capabilities through CO oxidation experiments on Pt(111) single crystals and graphene-passivated Pt(111), highlighting the system's ability to differentiate catalytic activity in model systems and directly compare them with high surface area powder catalysts. This reactor is particularly suited for thin films and low surface area catalysts that are not effectively evaluated in traditional flow reactors, especially for samples with low numbers of active sites or slow reaction rates.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Updated Chemical Kinetics and Sensitivity Analysis Code

An updated version of the General Chemical Kinetics and Sensitivity Analysis (LSENS) computer code has become available. A prior version of LSENS was described in "Program Helps to Determine Chemical-Reaction Mechanisms" (LEW-15758), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 19, No. 5 (May 1995), page 66. To recapitulate: LSENS solves complex, homogeneous, gas-phase, chemical-kinetics problems (e.g., combustion of fuels) that are represented by sets of many coupled, nonlinear, first-order ordinary differential equations. LSENS has been designed for flexibility, convenience, and computational efficiency. The present version of LSENS incorporates mathematical models for (1) a static system; (2) steady, one-dimensional inviscid flow; (3) reaction behind an incident shock wave, including boundary layer correction; (4) a perfectly stirred reactor; and (5) a perfectly stirred reactor followed by a plug-flow reactor. In addition, LSENS can compute equilibrium properties for the following assigned states: enthalpy and pressure, temperature and pressure, internal energy and volume, and temperature and volume. For static and one-dimensional-flow problems, including those behind an incident shock wave and following a perfectly stirred reactor calculation, LSENS can compute sensitivity coefficients of dependent variables and their derivatives, with respect to the initial values of dependent variables and/or the rate-coefficient parameters of the chemical reactions.

Radhakrishnan, Krishnan↗