Shock Tube Studies of Soot Chemistry Over Extreme Ranges of Pressure and Temperature

University Of Illinois At Chicago, Chicago IL

Investigators

Abstract

This is a study of the mechanisms of formation of soot. Shock-tube experiments designed to clarify he importance of several hypothesized pathways for single-, double-, and multiple-ring systems are performed. Two different shock tubes are used: a single-pulse, high-pressure shock tube with species analysis by sampling and gas chronstography/mass spectrometry, and a "low pressure" shock tube equipped for laser schlieren and laser flash absorption analysis. Systems studied include the decomposition of 1, 5-hexadiyne, recombination of propargyl radicals, reactions of benzyne generated by pyrolysis of phthalic anhydride, and the chemistry of diacetylene and diacetylene/acetylene mixtures including formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Elucidation of ring formation pathways and the quantification of related kinetic parameters over wide range of temperature and pressure leads to improved models of soot formation.