Prediction of soot formation rates: a new approach

Abstract

Five processes controlling the production of soot from gaseous hydrocarbons are distinguished: gas reactions producing radical fragments on which nucleation may begin; nucleation; coagulation; growth; and oxidation. A fundamental model capable of taking into account all these processes is described. The model is applied to the conditions of a practical rocket engine, in which production of soot in the exhaust jet is governed by the rate of pyrolysis of methane in the chamber. Predictions made for these conditions agree with experimental results. The rate controlling processes and key intermediate species are identified.