Nano-sized copper oxide enhancing the combustion of aluminum/kerosene-based nanofluid fuel droplets

The use of nano-sized copper oxide (nCuO) in Al-based nanofluid fuels was presented as a way to improve the combustion of traditional aluminum (Al)-based nanofluid fuels. The effects of nCuO on the ignition delay time, ignition temperature, droplet behavior, burning rate, and combustion intensity of Al/kerosene-based nanofluid fuel droplets were investigated. The results reveal that adding 2 wt% nCuO to the 2 wt% Al/kerosene-based nanofluid fuel has little effect on the ignition delay time and ignition temperature at 700, 750, and 800 degrees C. However, the droplet diameter changes dramatically with time at 750 and 800 degrees C. The burning rate is enhanced by up to 21.7%, and the combustion intensity and the oxidation efficiency of Al nanoparticles (NPs) are also improved significantly. This study provides an effective approach to improve the combustion performance of Al/kerosene-based nanofluid fuels. (c) 2022 The Combustion Institute. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.