Study on Laser Breakdown Assisted Long-distance Discharge Ignition

- Fundamental Characteristic of Discharge and Ignition -

Abstract

A novel ignition method combining laser breakdown was developed for the realization of lean combustion. Creation of laser breakdown plasmas between electrodes prior to high-voltage application enables long-distance spark discharge. We name the method as "Laser breakdownassisted long-distance discharge ignition (LBALDI)." This method is expected to realize volumetric ignitions. This method was also tested to ignite methane/air mixture in constant volume vessel. Because the method combines the laser breakdown and the discharge, we compared laser breakdown, discharge and LBALDI. The LBALDI showed fastest heat release rate at the lean flammable limit.