Laser-initiated, microwave driven ignition in methane/air mixtures

James B. Michael, Arthur Dogariu, Mikhail N. Shneider, Richard B. Miles

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

We have recently demonstrated the use of a pre-ionization laser pulse and a second microwave heating pulse to achieve ignition in near-stoichiometric methane/air mixtures. An ultrashort, 800nm non-resonant laser pulse (200 fs, 200 μJ) for seed ionization in combination with a 3GHz microwave pulse (2 μs, 50 mJ) achieved ignition in a premixed methane/air mixture with an equivalence ratio of 0.8. Microwave energy deposition- limited to only the region of laser interaction-was observed by shadowgraph in both air and methane/air mixtures. In addition, ignition of volumetric regions and multiple ignition points has been demonstrated using single laser and microwave pulses. We also present a numerical simulation of initial microwave heating corresponding to experimental conditions. The goal of moving towards a real combustor implementation is promoted through the design of a novel open microwave resonator configuration allowing a large access area for diagnostics and combustor access not limited to a specific geometry.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication48th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting Including the New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition
StatePublished - Dec 13 2010
Event48th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting Including the New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition - Orlando, FL, United States
Duration: Jan 4 2010Jan 7 2010

Publication series

Name48th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting Including the New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition

Other

Other48th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting Including the New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando, FL
Period1/4/101/7/10

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering

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