Study on the transition mechanism from defl agration combustion to detonation combustion for hydrogenmethane- air mixture

Aim of project
The aim of the project is to investigate both experimentally and theoretically the detonation process of hydrogenmethane- air mixtures and defl agration-to-detonation transition mechanism.

The work is planned to be performed in the following stages:
Experimental study on detonation of hydrogen-methaneair mixtures and determination of detonation parameters in a tube with obstacles for different values of equivalence ratio and different hydrogen contents in the mixture;

Experimental study on deflagration-to-detonation transition in a tube with obstacles for diff erent values of equivalence ratio and different hydrogen contents in the mixture;

Improvement and development of mathematical models and software and computer simulations to determine the suitability of mathematical models for investigation of such phenomena.

The subject and scope of this project is world-wide innovative. There is a lack of reliable and quantitative data in literature. The project also has an important technical aspect concerning the application of hydrogen-methane-air mixtures as an alternative fuel for brand-new car engines (e.g. HCCI), gas turbines and different kinds of burners with premixed and diffusion flame. It is also strongly connected with safety and detonation hazards in process industries.

Expected results
The planned experimental and theoretical research will provide a range of valuable information of fundamental character, enabling a better understanding and explanation of extremely complex processes of transition in gas mixtures. The information, apart from its cognitive value, is necessary for better design and proper maintenance of equipment for processing and transport of flammable gases.

The elaborated mathematical models and computer software will enable computer simulations of complex transition phenomena to detonation in gas mixtures. In future, the models may constitute a basic tool for analysis of existing unintended detonations during industrial installation failures and of eff ectiveness of operation of various safety devices. It will also facilitate better understanding of detonation processes, as well as transition processes to detonation and the causes and course of accidents with gaseous detonations, as well as safety improvement by designing better safety systems.