Nonequilibrium Plasma-Assisted Combustion-Efficiency Control in Vitiated Air

ABSTRACT: The ability of plasmas to modify combustion has been known for more than 50 years. Recent advances in plasma generation technology and measurement diagnostics have led to extensive efforts to understand both the kinetics of the plasma-flame interaction and the enhancement of combustion properties such as ignition, extinction, flame speed and dynamics. Combustion Science & Engineering, Inc. proposes to develop a kinetic model of plasma-enhanced vitiated combustion for hydrocarbon fuels including JP-8 by coupling the existing CSE vitiated kinetics model with plasma-flame chemistry developed in the current work. In parallel with the model development, CSE will work with Purdue University to develop and apply a new optical diagnostic for absolute measurement of radical species: Two-Color, two-photon laser-induced Polarization Spectroscopy (TCPS). The overall goal of this work is the development and validation of a kinetic model of JP-8 plasma-enhanced combustion under vitiated (or augmentor relevant) conditions. Propane and ethylene have been chosen as the initial fuels for experimental convenience. In Phase II we will extend both the model and experiments to JP-8, and extend the TCPS diagnostic to O atoms. We will also make extinction and ignition measurements under plasma-enhanced vitiated conditions. BENEFIT: An important product from this project will be a comprehensive jet fuel surrogate kinetic model that includes the validated platform for modeling plasma-assisted combustion. This mechanism will be specifically targeted at conditions typical of augmentors, inter-turbine burners and diesel engines that use either vitiation or exhaust gas recirculation (EGR). In addition, an industrial partner is also interested in the current proposed work as it focuses on applications for small jet engines. We believe that this tool could readily lead to the design of a plasma-assisted combustion system suitable for use in augmentors or afterburners, where flame stability and relight issues can affect performance.