Detailed numerical simulations of the autoignition of single n-heptane droplets in air

The autoignition process of single n-heptane droplets in air is simulated for spherical symmetry and at constant pressure. Using a detailed transport model and detailed chemical kinetics, the governing equations of the two phases are solved in a fully coupled way. The ambient gas temperature is varied from 600 to 2000 K. Simulations are performed for isobaric conditions. The initial droplet radius ranges from 10 to 200 μm. The influence of different physical parameters, such as ambient pressure, droplet radius, or initial conditions, on the ignition delay time and the location of the ignition is investigated. The gas temperature turns out to be the parameter dominating the ignition process. The droplet temperature shows a minor influence on the ignition delay time. The influence of the droplet radius on the ignition delay shows a high sensitivity to other ambient conditions, such as ambient temperature and pressure.