The optimum condition for ignition of gases by composite sparks

TLDR: In this article, the effects of gap width, electrode configuration, mixture strength, spark duration, and energy distribution between the two components on the minimum ignition energy were investigated, using a quiescent propane-air mixture.

Abstract: To determine the optimum ignition condition for sparks consisting of a capacitance spark followed by a dc- (glow) or ac-discharge (1 MHz), the effects of gap width, electrode configuration, mixture strength, spark duration, and energy distribution between the two components on the minimum ignition energy were investigated, using a quiescent propane-air mixture. The condition in question is conveniently characterized by the optimum spark duration for which the minimum ignition energy is lowest and the corresponding energy value. For a dc-discharge spark, the well-defined optimum spark duration varies from about 50 to 300 μ sec and the minimum ignition energy for spark durations larger than the optimum increases in different modes, depending on the mixture strength and the quenching effect of spark electrodes. For an ac-discharge spark, the optimum condition for ignition is much the same as for a dc-discharge spark, but the minimum ignition energy and the spark duration are always proportional to each other above the optimum, and therefore the optimum spark duration is easily obtained up to about 5 msec. Flash-schlieren photographic observations of the initial behavior of the spark kernel confirmed that such differences in the mode of minimum ignition energy are related to electrostatic attraction by the negative electrode.