VIII. Gaseous combustion at medium pressures. Part I. —Carbon monoxide air explosions in a closed vessel. Part II. —Methane-air explosions in a closed vessel

Abstract

During the past five years a programme of research involving air-fuel explosions in a closed vessel has been in progress at the National Physical Laboratory for the Engineering Research Board of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. Among the experimental results obtained, those relating to Carbon Monoxide and Methane were considered likely to be of interest to the Society, and form the subject of the present communication.Of the two investigations described, the first gives experimental data on the respective influences of hydrogen-air and water vapour on a carbon monoxide-air explosion, and the second relates to explosions of methane and air over a comparatively wide range of initial temperature and pressure.Part I.-Carbon Monoxide-Air E xplosions in a Closed Vessel, with SpecialReference to the E ffect of Additions of (a) H ydrogen-Air and ( ) Water Vapour.When Bone and H award published their interesting experiments* showing, inter alia, the marked influence of a small proportion of H 2-air on a CO-air explosion at an initial pressure of 50 atmospheres and at atmospheric initial temperature, it was suggested by the Engine Sub-Committee of the Aeronautical Research Committee th at a similar series of experiments, at initial pressures corresponding to engine con ditions, should be put in hand at the National Physical Laboratory. Mr. H. T. Tizard made the further suggestion that, at the same time, the effect of water vapour additions to a CO-air mixture should be investigated.In carrying out these suggestions three series of explosions were performed at an initial pressure of 76-8 lbs. per square inch (absolute), and at an initial temperature of 50° C., a pressure-time record being obtained of each explosion.The mixtures in the respective series were :-2 (mH2 -f-wCO) -j-0 2 -j-3*8N2, where m and n are variable, but + n = 1 ; water vapour content less than 1 in 2000.