Technical Paper
Activation and Control of Autoignition in HCCI Engines Using Volumetrically-Distributed Ignition of As-Produced Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes
2012-09-10
2012-01-1691
The discovery that nanostructured materials exhibit properties different than their bulk materials provided many exciting opportunities with technological applications. One such opportunity is the observed ignition of the single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with an ordinary camera flash. In this paper, light-activated ignition characteristics of the as-produced SWCNTs (50 wt% iron nanoparticle content) with a camera flash are presented. The primary objective of this work is to use nanostructured materials as means for distributed (or volumetric) ignition and improved combustion in propulsion systems. Important examples are homogeneous-charged compression ignition (HCCI) engines, liquid rocket fuel sprays, and enhanced flame stabilization in gas turbine engines. The idea was originally proposed by the author in April 2003 and the first patent filed in July 2004 following a series of initial investigations.
