Computational kinetics and sensitivity analysis of hydrogen–oxygen combustion

Abstract

Kinetic modeling calculations on the H₂–O₂ system have been carried out with an extensive reaction set to probe the vicinity of the three explosion limits. Sensitivity analysis is used throughout this investigation to study system behavior, in particular, to elucidate mechanistic details. The concentrations and sensitivity profiles are discussed in light of the appropriate experimental results and existing theories of hydrogen combustion. The results indicate the present model to be useful over a wide pressure–temperature range. The reaction set is also used to probe the sensitivities for an experimental study designed to measure the rate constant of an important elementary reaction, H+O₂+M→HO₂+M, involved in this system. The versatility of the reaction set is also demonstrated by a study of a related chemical reaction, the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. Finally, prospects for utilizing the methods and results of this study to examine other complex kinetic schemes are discussed.