Experimental and Chemical Kinetic Study on Laminar Burning Velocity of p-Xylene + Air Mixtures at Elevated Temperatures

Xylene, a significant aromatic component in fuels like gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels, plays a crucial role in combustion dynamics. Analyzing their flame dynamics under engine-relevant conditions is essential for a comprehensive understanding of their combustion behavior and performance. To analyze the flame propagation behavior and combustion chemistry, the present study focuses on the experimental and chemical kinetic study on laminar burning velocity (LBV) of p-xylene + air mixture at elevated temperatures (361 - 638 K) for various mixture equivalence ratio (ϕ = 0.7 - 1.4) under atmospheric pressure conditions using externally heated diverging channel method. The present measurements were compared with the predictions from chemical kinetic models, namely, Narayanswamy, Kukkadapu, and Yuan. The Yuan model showed an overall good match with the present measurements at various mixture equivalence ratios and temperatures. The LBV follows a parabolic profile with an equivalence ratio and peaks at a slightly rich mixture equivalence ratio, ϕ = 1.1, whereas the profile of the temperature exponent shows a reverse parabolic profile with minima at ϕ = 1.0. The present experimental results show that LBV increases with mixture temperatures and the peak LBV is increased by 32.4 cm/s as the mixture temperature is increased from 500 to 600 K. The present study extends LBV measurements up to 638 K, compared to the existing reported LBV at 353 K. This higher temperature LBV data will help optimize chemical kinetic models for improved accuracy and enhanced understanding of combustion dynamics, which helps reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter. By optimizing flame propagation and maximizing energy release, cleaner and more efficient combustion systems can achieve higher efficiency, resulting in lower fuel consumption and minimized environmental impact.