Laminar burning velocity of CH4/N2O mixtures with N2, Ar, and CO2 dilution: an experimental and chemical kinetic modelling study

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master_Chen_Dong_2025.pdf (24.87 MB)

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School of Engineering | Master's thesis
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Date

2025-09-03

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Advanced Energy Solutions

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Master's Programme in Building Technology

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en

Pages

99

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Abstract

This thesis investigates the laminar burning velocity (LBV) of CH₄/N₂O mixtures with various diluents (N₂, Ar, CO₂) under different conditions by utilizing a McKenna flat flame burner. The aim is to deepen the understanding of combustion behaviour in N₂O-based systems, also to evaluate the burner’s capability to deliver accurate and repeatable laminar flame speed measurements. A comprehensive review of LBV measurement methods such as spherical flame method, stagnation flame method, heat flux burner method and others—highlights the historical development and technical evolution in flame speed diagnostics. Through detailed experimental comparisons and validations against previous studies and kinetic modelling, the effects of equivalence ratio, concentration rate of dilutions, species of inert gases were systematically analysed (N₂, Ar and CO₂ as dilutions studied in the concentration rate of 32%, 42% and 52%). Results show that adding diluents like N₂ into CH₄/N₂O flames significantly reduce LBV, demonstrating effective flame suppression and safety control potential. Among the inert gases studied, Ar showed weaker suppression compared to N₂ and CO₂ due to its chemical and thermal properties. Overall, this work emphasizes the importance of accurate LBV measurements and kinetic modelling in evaluating combustion characteristics for both fundamental research and practical applications. These findings confirm the reliability of the McKenna burner setup and highlight its usefulness for controlled flame studies.

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Supervisor

Kaario, Ossi

Thesis advisor

Bhattacharya, Atmadeep
Kankkunen, Ari

Keywords

McKenna burner, laminar burning velocity, methane, dilution, nitrous oxide, argon

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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:aalto-202510208271

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