Equilibrium Atom and Free Radical Concentrations in Carbon Monoxide Flames and Correlation with Burning Velocities

Abstract

Calculations have been made of equilibrium concentrations of hydroxyl radicals and of hydrogen and oxygen atoms in moist carbon monoxide flames. Comparison with burning velocities, measured by Jahn by the Bunsen burner method, reveals a close correlation between observed burning velocities and such calculated hydrogen atom concentrations. Only a slight correlation exists with hydroxyl radical concentrations and none at all with calculated oxygen atom concentrations. A theoretical basis for these observations will be presented in a subsequent paper.