Normal burning velocity and propagation speed of ethane–air: Pressure and temperature dependence

• Normal burning velocities Su and propagation velocities Ss of ethane–air are reported.
• p(t) records in a spherical bomb with central ignition were used.
• Su – determined from the coefficients of the cubic law of pressure rise.
• Ss – calculated from Su using the expansion coefficient of the unburnt gas.
• Both Su and Ss are examined against the initial composition, p0 and T0.

Experiments in a spherical bomb with central ignition using ethane–air mixtures of variable composition ([C2H6] = 3.4–7.6 vol%), at various initial pressures (p0 = 30–130 kPa) and initial temperatures (T0 = 298–423 K) afforded the calculation of the normal burning velocities Su and propagation velocities Ss. The normal burning velocities (NBV) were determined from the coefficients of the cubic law of pressure rise during the early stage of explosion, using a previously proposed procedure. The propagation velocities (PV) were calculated from the normal burning velocities using the expansion coefficient of the unburnt gas during isobaric combustion. The experimental NBVs are examined against computed values, obtained with the package INSFLA for free laminar premixed flames, using the mechanism CH4–C4 based on 53 chemical species, which participate to 592 elementary reactions. The baric and thermal coefficients of NBVs and of PVs are determined and discussed in comparison with literature data.