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Project title

A rapid compression machine and complementary modelling study of an alternative diesel fuel

Primary Funding Agency

Environmental Protection Agency

Co-Funding Organisation(s)

n/a

Lead Organisation

National University of Ireland Galway (NUIG)

Lead Applicant

Henry Curran

Project Abstract

Shock tube experiments and chemical kinetic modeling were carried out on 244-trimethyl-1-pentene and 244-trimethyl-2-pentene the two isomers of diisobutylene a compound intended for use as an alkene component in a surrogate diesel. Ignition delay times were obtained behind reflected shock waves at 1 and 4 atm and between temperatures of 1200 and 1550 K. Equivalence ratios ranging from 1.0 to 0.25 were examined for the 1-pentene isomer. A comparative study was carried out on the 2-pentene isomer and on the blend of the two isomers. It was found that the 2-pentene isomer ignited significantly faster under shock tube conditions than the 1-pentene isomer and that the ignition delay times for the blend were directly dependant on the proportions of each isomer. These characteristics were successfully predicted using a detailed chemical kinetic mechanism. It was found that reactions involving isobutene were important in the decomposition of the 1-pentene isomer. The 2-pentene isomer reacted through a different pathway involving resonantly stabilized radicals highlighting the effect on the chemistry of a slight change in molecular structure.

Grant Approved

�75,000.00

Research Hub

Green and Circular Economy

Research Theme

Waste and Resources Management

Start Date

n/a

Initial Projected Completion Date

n/a