Catalytic combustion of butane in micro-scale conduits is investigated. Nano-porous alumina formed through anodic oxidation of aluminum is employed for the support of platinum catalyst. Combustion starts at 250°C, and a heat release rate up to 710MW/m3 is achieved in a 0.6mm ID tube. It is found that the surface reaction speed is a limiting factor for the overall reaction rate. A prototype silicon-based catalytic combustor is designed and fabricated using MEMS technologies. The Pt/alumina catalyst layer is successfully integrated onto a silicon microchannel, and a Pyrex lid is anodically bonded onto the Si substrate. It is found in a preliminary experiment that the MEMS combustor also works well, but gives somewhat smaller reaction rate due to the thinner catalytic layer.
JSME international journal. Ser. 1, Solid mechanics, strength of materials
JSME international journal. Ser. A, Mechanics and material engineering
JSME international journal. Ser. 3, Vibration, control engineering, engineering for industry
JSME international journal. Ser. C, Dynamics, control, robotics, design and manufacturing
JSME International Journal Series A Solid Mechanics and Material Engineering
JSME International Journal Series C Mechanical Systems, Machine Elements and Manufacturing