Study on flame propagation of premixed N2O–NH3/N2O–NH3–C3H8 in cylindrical vessels

ABSTRACTThe flame propagation behavior of premixed N2O–NH3/N2O–NH3–C3H8 was experimentally investigated in elongated vented cylindrical vessels with central ignition. The effect of vessel diameter and propane concentration ([C3H8] = 1.96–7.41 wt.%) on the process of flame acceleration was studied and discussed. The results revealed that the maximum value of flame acceleration rate was found in the cylindrical vessel with an inner diameter of 7 mm, followed by 5 mm, 10 mm, and 15 mm. At a constant vessel diameter, the rate of flame acceleration was noticeably improved by adding propane ([C3H8] = 1.96–3.85 wt.%) to the premixed N2O–NH3. However, a further increase in the propane fraction up to 5.66%, caused a decline in the flame acceleration rate, probably as a consequence of a combined effect between the reduction of oxygen and greater dilution of the ammonia in the total concentration.