Combustion characteristics of nanofluid fuels in a half-opening slot tube

Abstract

Combustion characteristics of nanofluid fuels containing aluminum nanoparticles were investigated in half-opening slot tubes from the fundamental view. The effects of particle loading rates (0.25% and 2.5% by weight), type of base fuels (ethanol and butanol), and fuel flow rates (0.2, 0.6, and 1 mL/min) were studied in details. The combustion characteristics of the nanofluid fuels and pure based fuels were also examined to provide a comparison. Flame was unstable with reignition, stable state, nearly extinguishment repeatedly at low flow rate. At medium flow rate, flame height was increased and flame tended to be stable. At high flow rate, flame became unstable and was disturbed by the droplet forming and dripping significantly. Al atoms inside the oxide layer should be melted before the particles combustion, while Al oxide layer should be melted before the particles aggregates combustion. The effects of particles on the combustion characteristics, especially on the evaporation rate of base fuel, were discussed. The reasons for various combustion phenomena of nanofluid fuels were given, which can provide the useful guidance for the experimental research and practical applications of nanofluid fuels.