Journal Published Online: 30 August 2004
Volume 1, Issue 8

Investigation of Burning Aluminum in Oxygen-Enriched Atmospheres through Microanalysis Techniques

CODEN: JAIOAD

Abstract

Promoted-ignition testing of 3.2 mm diameter aluminum rods in high purity oxygen was performed. The rod and detached drops of both self-extinguished and water quenched samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis to analyze the physical structure of the sample and gather compositional data. A comparison of the micrographs of self-extinguished and quenched samples reveals clear differences in the extent of melted and re-solidified (unreacted) material and the thickness of the oxide layer, highlighting the effect of cooling rate on the burning system. A qualitative physical model for the burning of bulk aluminum in gaseous oxygen is presented. The model, incorporating a molten drop growth and detachment cycle, is based on an initial heterogeneous burning phase leading to a second phase of combined heterogeneous and homogeneous burning.

Author Information

Suvorovs, T
Division of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
DeWit, JR
Leslie Consulting Pty Ltd, Coopers Plains, QLD, Australia
Osborne, BP
Division of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
Steinberg, TA
Division of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
Pages: 13
Price: $25.00
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Stock #: JAI12340
ISSN: 1546-962X
DOI: 10.1520/JAI12340