Difference between revisions of "Combustion process"

(first edition)
 
(Removed the reference to DR's flame front accelerator since it doesn't work. Various other changes.)
 
(12 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
1. A cap is opened to the chamber
+
The '''combustion process''' is an exothermic chemical reaction of a fuel with an oxidizer. In the context of [[combustion cannon]]s and [[hybrid]]s, this refers to the reaction of a hydrocarbon  fuel (usually [[propane]]) with atmospheric oxygen (the oxidizer), producing carbon dioxide, water, and heat. The heat produces [[pressure]] that propels the projectile out the [[barrel]].
2. Fuel is sprayed or injected
+
 
3. The cap is shut and sealed
+
This burning takes place in a "flame front", typically a spherical or domed shaped region that spreads outwards from the [[ignition source]]. It is generally believed that the faster the flame front moves the better a combustion spudgun will perform. Techniques used by some to encourage the rapid spread of this flame front include:
4. The fuel is mixed with the air
+
* Multiple ignition points to produce multiple flame fronts. This is usually accomplished via multiple [[spark gap]]s, or perhaps by use of a [[spark strip]].
5. The mixture is ignited
+
* Inducing turbulence in the gases through which the flame front is moving. This is usually accomplished via a [[chamber fan]].
6. The mixture burns rapidly until the fuel or air is all used up, increasing pressure, shooting the projectile out
+
 
7. The cap is openned again, to vent the exhaust fumes and load in fresh air
+
Tools and Information on the combustion process can be found at these links:
 +
 
 +
[http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/combustion-boiler-fuels-t_9.html Helpful Tools]
 +
 
 +
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Combustion Wikipedia Combustion article]
 +
 
 +
 
 +
{{stub}}
 +
[[category:Concepts]]

Latest revision as of 01:57, 2 June 2008

The combustion process is an exothermic chemical reaction of a fuel with an oxidizer. In the context of combustion cannons and hybrids, this refers to the reaction of a hydrocarbon fuel (usually propane) with atmospheric oxygen (the oxidizer), producing carbon dioxide, water, and heat. The heat produces pressure that propels the projectile out the barrel.

This burning takes place in a "flame front", typically a spherical or domed shaped region that spreads outwards from the ignition source. It is generally believed that the faster the flame front moves the better a combustion spudgun will perform. Techniques used by some to encourage the rapid spread of this flame front include:

  • Multiple ignition points to produce multiple flame fronts. This is usually accomplished via multiple spark gaps, or perhaps by use of a spark strip.
  • Inducing turbulence in the gases through which the flame front is moving. This is usually accomplished via a chamber fan.

Tools and Information on the combustion process can be found at these links:

Helpful Tools

Wikipedia Combustion article


This article is a stub. You can help by expanding it