A Theoretical Analysis of Combustive Synthesis of Titanium Carbide and a Comparison of Predictions with Measurements

Abstract

–A numerical model is developed to predict the propagation speed of a Self-Propagating High-Temperature Synthesis (SHS) reaction wave along a vertical cylindrical reactant compact made from a mixture of titanium and carbon powders. A two-dimensional formulation along with convective + radiative heat loss from the peripheral surface to the surrounding inert gas atmosphere is used. The reaction kinetics employed are from the earlier work of Kanury. The model predicts the dependency of the wave propagation speed on various physical and geometric parameters of a titanium + carbon compact. It also predicts conditions at which the reaction wave does not propagate in a self-supporting manner. Effects of peripheral heat losses are also investigated. Some of the predictions are compared with experimentally measured propagation speeds to find excellent agreement.