Predictive Models for Single-Droplet Ignition in Static High-Temperature Air in Different Gravity Environments

To address the design and optimization of the ignition system for the microgravity single-droplet combustion experiment module within the Combustion Science Experimental System (CSES) aboard the Chinese Space Station (CSS), it is essential to first determine the ignition temperatures required for ty...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Xiaoyang Lan, Huilong Zheng, Yu Fang, Xianzhang Peng, Xiaofang Yang, Xiaowu Zhang
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-06-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/15/12/6558
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:To address the design and optimization of the ignition system for the microgravity single-droplet combustion experiment module within the Combustion Science Experimental System (CSES) aboard the Chinese Space Station (CSS), it is essential to first determine the ignition temperatures required for typical liquid fuel droplets. In this study, ignition experiments were conducted on droplets of three representative hydrocarbon fuels—ethanol, n-heptane, and n-dodecane—in static air at high temperatures ranging from 760 K to 1100 K. The experimental results show that the initial droplet diameter is inversely correlated with the ambient temperature at which ignition occurs. Subsequently, based on Frank-Kamenetskii’s analytical method and combined with experimental data, a semi-empirical predictive model for droplet ignition temperatures in a normal-gravity environment was derived. Building upon this, and considering the characteristics of the microgravity environment, an appropriate empirical formula was applied to refine the model, resulting in a predictive model for droplet ignition temperatures in the microgravity environment. Furthermore, by comparing the experimental data and the observed phenomena from existing microgravity experiments, this semi-empirical predictive model used in the microgravity environment effectively reflects the trend of droplet ignition temperature variations.
ISSN:2076-3417