Experimental study and modeling of shock tube ignition delay times for hydrogen-oxygen-argon mixtures at low temperatures

Recent literature has indicated that experimental shock tube ignition delay times for hydrogen combustion at low-temperature conditions may deviate significantly from those predicted by current detailed kinetic models. The source of this difference is uncertain. In the current study, the effects of shock tube facility-dependent gasdynamics and localized pre-ignition energy release are explored by measuring and simulating hydrogen-oxygen ignition delay times. Shock tube hydrogen-oxygen ignition delay time data were taken behind reflected shock waves at temperatures between 908 to 1118 K and pressures between 3.0 and 3.7 atm for two test mixtures: 4% H-2, 2% O-2, balance Ar, and 15% H-2, 18% O-2, balance Ar. The experimental ignition delay times at temperatures below 980 K are found to be shorter than those predicted by current mechanisms when the normal idealized constant volume (V) and internal energy (C) assumptions are employed. However, if non-ideal effects associated with facility performance and energy release are included in the modeling (using CHEMSHOCK, a new model which couples the experimental pressure trace with the constant V, E assumptions), the predicted ignition times more closely follow the experimental data. Applying the new CHEMSHOCK model to current experimental data allows refinement of the reaction rate for H + O-2 + Ar <-> HO2 + Ar, a key reaction in determining the hydrogen-oxygen ignition delay time in the low-temperature region. (C) 2009 The Combustion Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.