Laminar Flame Speed Calculations

Methanol and ethanol have been investigated as very high octane fuels for knock control/avoidance in spark ignition engines. Direct injection of the alcohol results in substantial cooling of the cylinder charge, decreasing the chemical kinetic rates that result in autoignition. However, decreasing the temperature of the cylinder charge also affects the initial flame propagation. The purpose of this paper is to benchmark the Marinov mechanism developed for ethanol oxidation when used for methanol, and to compare it with the Li mechanism developed for methanol. Flame speeds from the chemical kinetics model are compared with published experimental results for both methanol and ethanol. Methanol is a very attractive fuel for operation in spark ignited engines [Nichols, Reed, George, O’Blenes, West, Brusstar]. Although toxic, it is being used today in most automotive applications as a fluid for windshield washer, which instead of being burned is actually sprayed onto the roadway