Microwave Enhanced Combustion

This proposal describes a research program which will continue an ongoing investigation of the effect of microwave energy on the combustion processes of hydrocarbon-air mixtures. Previous research conducted by Research Support Instruments and Princeton University have demonstrated that the application of modest amounts of microwave power can result in flame speed increases of up to 65%, and the physical models developed indicate that it may be possible to double or even triple the flame speed using a refinement of our techniques. The logical progression of this research would be to extend this technique such that a microwave resonator is incorporated into the design of a high-speed combustor. Research Support Instruments, Inc. (RSI) proposes to expand the scope of its previous research on microwave enhanced combustion into two areas of interest which have not yet been examined:  The use of a circular resonant microwave cavity as the microwave applicator.  Preactivation of the hydrocarbon fuel using a dielectric barrier discharge. This Phase I program would continue our joint research efforts with the Applied Physics Group of Princeton University who will act as a subcontractor on the program.