Experimental and modelling study of 1-pentene combustion at fuel-rich conditions

A fuel-rich, non-sooting (C/O = 0.773) 1-pentene/oxygen/argon flame is studied experimentally at 50 mbar. The results are compared to computations. The calculations show satisfactory agreement with the data obtained from the measurements. The main channels for 1-pentene decomposition are presented and discussed in view of previous data for a propene flame at similar experimental conditions. Special emphasis is directed towards the formation of the first aromatic ring and the further growth of small aromatic hydrocarbons. By reaction flow analysis, it is found that the major reaction channel for benzene formation results from the recombination of propargyl radicals. Furthermore, the major reaction channels for naphthalene formation are presented.