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We investigated the ability of a reduced chemical kinetic model of 18 reactions and 13 active species to predict the heat release for a blend of primary reference fuels with octane rating 63 in a motored research engine. Given the initial fuel-air mixture concentration and temperature, the chemical kinetic model is used to predict temperature, heat release and species concentrations as a function of time or crank angle by integrating the coupled rate and energy equations. For comparison, we independently calculated heat release from measured pressure data using a standard thermodynamic model.

This paper presents results of studies investigating the effect of octane enhancing ethers on the reactivity of an 87 octane mixture of primary reference fuels, 87 PRF, in a motored engine. 87 PRF was blended with small percentages of MTBE, ETBE, TAME and DIPE based on a constant gravimetric oxygen percentage in the fuel. The experiments were conducted in a modified single-cylinder Wisconsin AENL engine at compression ratios of 5.2 and 8.2. Supercharging and heating of the intake charge were used to control reactivity. The inlet gas temperature was increased from 320 K, where no reactivity occurred, until either autoignition occurred or the maximum temperature of the facility was reached. Exhaust carbon monoxide levels and in-cylinder pressure histories were monitored in order to determine and quantify reactivity.

This experimental study was conducted in a motored research engine to investigate the effect of blending methanol and ethanol on hydrocarbon oxidation and autoignition. An 87 octane mixture of primary reference fuels, 87 PRF, was blended with small percentages of the alcohols to yield a constant gravimetric oxygen percentage in the fuel. The stoichiometric fuel mixtures and neat methanol and ethanol were tested in a modified single-cylinder engine at a compression ratio of 8.2. Supercharging and heating of the intake charge were used to control reactivity. The inlet gas temperature was increased from 325 K to the point of autoignition or the maximum achievable temperature of 500 K. Exhaust carbon monoxide levels and in-cylinder pressure histories were monitored in order to determine and quantify reactivity.