Diesel diffusion flame simulation using reduced n-heptane oxidation mechanism

Based on the low temperature oxidation mechanism of alkane and the assumption that alkyl cracks into ethylenes and methyl directly at high temperature, a reduced mechanism of n-heptane oxidation containing 19 species and 21 reactions is achieved. The calculated ignition delays fit the experimental data reasonably well. Diesel diffusion flame in a constant volume vessel is investigated with CFD simulation using this reduced mechanism, and validated by high speed photography. The calculated results show very good agreement to the experiment, both chemiluminescent flame and high temperature flame could be evaluated accurately.

► A reduced mechanism of n-heptane oxidation has been developed.
► Diesel diffusion flame was investigated with CFD simulation and high speed photography.
► Diesel diffusion flame could be estimated accurately using the reduced mechanism.