Olefin chemistry in a premixed n-heptane flame

Three different n-heptane mechanisms were used to simulate a fuel-rich normal heptane premixed flame in order to identify major reaction pathways for olefin formation and consumption and areas of uncertainties of these reactions. Olefins are formed mainly via beta-scission and hydrogen abstraction, and smaller olefins are sometimes formed by combination of allylic radicals and H/CH3 radicals. Olefins are consumed by direct decomposition, radical-addition, and hydrogen-abstraction reactions. Isomerization between alkyl radicals plays an important role in olefin formation and in determining olefin species distribution. Peroxy radicals contribute to the olefin formation in the low-temperature region, but further studies are needed to resolve many uncertainties. Simulation results using the Pitsch, LLNL, and Utah heptane mechanisms were compared to experimental concentration profiles of selected species, and the uncertainties in the olefin chemistry thus identified are discussed. The discrepancies in the computed concentrations of most olefin species are usually due to the combined effects of uncertainties in the kinetics of beta-scission and isomerization reactions. Resolving these uncertainties in n-heptane combustion chemistry is critical for building practical mechanisms for the larger paraffins that are major components of liquid aviation and diesel transportation fuels. In addition, olefin chemistry is critical to any combustion mechanisms that focus on the soot formation, because products of olefin decomposition such as C3Hx and C4Hx species are well-known precursors for the formation of the first aromatic ring.