Pulse combustion characteristics of various gaseous fuels

Abstract

The combustion of a gas-fired pulse combustor was simulated using a computation fluid dynamic model to understand the flame structure, gas flow, and combustion characteristics in the burner and the resulting pulsation phenomenon. The specific impulse and thrust output to power input are computed and compared. Some typical gaseous fuels such as low molecular weight hydrocarbons, high molecular weight hydrocarbons, biofuels, and mixed fuels are tested via simulation of the pulse combustor, and their operation characteristics are summarized. It was found that the combustor can adjust itself automatically over a certain range of parameters and make it suitable for different gaseous fuels. Pulse combustion performance of fuels with low and high heating values is also compared. © 2008 American Chemical Society.