Journal Published Online: 11 September 2009
Volume 6, Issue 10

An Approach to Understanding Flow Friction Ignition: A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Study on Temperature Development of High-Pressure Oxygen Flow Inside Micron-Scale Seal Cracks

CODEN: JAIOAD

Abstract

Flow friction ignition of non-metallic materials in oxygen is a poorly understood heat-generating mechanism thought to be caused by oxygen flow past a non-metallic sealing surface. Micron-scale fatigue cracks or channels were observed on non-metallic sealing surfaces of oxygen components and could provide a leak path for the high-pressure oxygen to flow across the seal. Literature in the field of micro-fluidics research has noted that viscous dissipation, a heat-generating mechanism, may not be negligible as the flow dimension of the channel is reduced to the micron-scale. Results of a computational fluid dynamics study are presented and used to determine if temperatures developed in high-pressure driven micro-channel oxygen flows are capable of reaching the reported autogenous ignition temperature of non-metallic materials in oxygen.

Author Information

Hooser, Jared
Wendell Hull and Associates, Inc., Las Cruces, NM
Wei, Mingjun
Dept. of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New Mexico State Univ., Las Cruces, NM
Newton, Barry
Wendell Hull and Associates, Inc., Las Cruces, NM
Chiffoleau, Gwenael
Test Facility Manager, Wendell Hull & Associates, Inc., Las Cruces, NM
Pages: 15
Price: $25.00
Related
Reprints and Permissions
Reprints and copyright permissions can be requested through the
Copyright Clearance Center
Details
Stock #: JAI102298
ISSN: 1546-962X
DOI: 10.1520/JAI102298