Combustion and ignition of thermally cracked kerosene in supersonic model combustors

A series of experiments were conducted to characterize the self-ignition and combustion of thermally cracked kerosene in both a Mach 2.5 model combustor with a combustor entrance height of 51 mm and a Mach 3.0 model combustor with an entrance height of 70 mm. A unique kerosene heating and delivery system was developed, which can prepare heated kerosene up to 950 K at a pressure of 5.5 MPa with negligible fuel coking. The extent of China no. 3 kerosene conversion under supercritical conditions was measured using a specially designed system. The compositions of gaseous products as a result of thermal cracking were analyzed using gas chromatography. The mass flow rates of cracked kerosene were also calibrated and measured using sonic nozzles. With the injection of thermally cracked kerosene, the ability to achieve enhanced combustion performance was demonstrated under a variety of airflow and fuel conditions. Furthermore, self-ignition tests of cracked kerosene in a Mach 2.5 model combustor over a range of fuel injection conditions and with the help of different amounts of pilot hydrogen were conducted and discussed.