Date of Completion
6-5-2015
Embargo Period
6-5-2015
Advisors
Dr. Michael Renfro, Dr. Baki Cetegen
Field of Study
Mechanical Engineering
Degree
Master of Science
Open Access
Open Access
Abstract
Autoignition experiments were performed in a rapid compression machine for methyl pentanoate. Autoignition conditions ranged from 682 K to 1048 K for pressures of 15 bar and 30 bar and equivalence ratios of 0.25, 0.50, and 1.0. The composition of the oxidizer was altered by changing the amount of argon and molecular nitrogen in the mixtures. Over the conditions studied, it was found that the reactivity of the mixture increases with increasing compressed pressure and equivalence ratio. Negative temperature coefficient behavior was observed for compressed temperatures ranging from 716 K to 799 K under a compressed pressure of 30 bar and an equivalence ratio of 1.0. Experimental data was compared to ignition delay data for methyl butanoate and methyl propanoate. For all available data, methyl pentanoate was the most reactive fuel followed by methyl butanoate and methyl propanoate. Experimental data was extrapolated and indicated that methyl butanoate and methyl pentanoate might have the same reactivity at 1030 K and 975 K for compressed pressures of 30 bar and equivalence ratios of φ = 0.25 and φ = 0.50, respectively. Experimental data for methyl pentanoate was further simulated using a literature chemical kinetic mechanism. Overall there was poor agreement between experimental data and simulations for negative temperature coefficient behavior and ignition delays. Only simulations for compressed temperatures below 700 K seem to agree well with experimental data.
Recommended Citation
Bunnell, Justin, "Autoignition of Methyl Pentanoate at Low to Intermediate Temperatures and Elevated Pressures in a Rapid Compression Machine" (2015). Master's Theses. 770.
https://digitalcommons.lib.uconn.edu/gs_theses/770
Major Advisor
Dr. Chih-Jen Sung