Autoignition Characteristics of Ammonia Dimethyl Ether Blends

Abstract

The autoignition characteristics of ammonia (NH 3 ) and dimethyl ether (DME) blends were examined in this research project. The study investigates the autoignition characteristics by measuring ignition delay times across a range of gas temperatures from 621 to 725 K and at pressures of 5, 10, and 20 bar by using a rapid compression machine (RCM). Ignition delays of NH 3 /DME blends, with DME concentrations in the fuel mixture ranging from 0 to 50%, were measured, simulated, and compared with JP-8 and JP-5 fuel ignition delays. At a pressure of 20 bar, blends containing 30 and 50% DME concentrations exhibited ignition delay times similar to those of JP-8 and JP-5. Furthermore, the fuel blend with a 30% DME concentration showed similar ignition delays at the lower pressures of 5 and 10 bar. Several kinetic models were used to model the autoignition and compared with the measured data. Simulation results fairly matched the measured ignition delays. Through rigorous experimental verification, this comprehensive analysis evaluated the reliability of existing chemical models and paved the way for further studies on customized fuel blends, thereby contributing to the ongoing debate on sustainable energy alternatives.