Numerical analysis of major reaction affecting to nitrogen oxide formation under Okafor reaction mechanism

Abstract

NOx contributes to the formation of ozone, a major greenhouse gas, through photochemical reactions in the atmosphere, and also causes acid rains. Therefore, there is a growing demand for reducing nitrogen oxides. NOX is actively generated at fuel-lean and high temperatures. Therefore, combustion near the stoichiometry ratio and avoiding the peak combustion temperature are reduction methods. Moreover, NOX can be classified into fuel NOX, thermal NOX, and prompt NOX according to the cause and characteristics of their occurrence. Ongoing research is analyzing key reactions that contribute to the formation of NOX and simulating phenomena via numerical analysis research to seek reduction measures. Therefore, the significance of the detailed and consistent reaction mechanism is increasing. The Okafor mechanism simulates a granular combustion reaction of methane and ammonia and better simulates the effect of the radical-based species on the formation of NOX based on the GRI 3.0 mechanism and Tian mechanism. The present study aims to analyze the key reactions of NOX formation through Okafor mechanism in the laminar flame of methane, to analyze the effect of oxidant concentration and pre-heating temperature on NOX formation. Numerical analysis research based on Okafor mechanism is expected to be useful to analyze the phenomenological causes of NOX formation.