Ignition of a Single Droplet and a Droplet Array in Low Velocity Airflow

Abstract

Ignition characteristics of a fuel single droplet and a fuel droplet array which are exposed to very slow high temperature airflow were studied for n-decane in microgravity field. In the droplet array experiment, five droplets with the same size were arranged horizontally at an equal spacing. Experimental results showed that ignition time has a minimum value at a certain airflow velocity and spacing. This result is explained by the competition between evaporation rate and chemical reaction rate . Also, according to OH emission image, it is observed that ignition occurs at wake region throughout all experimental conditions .