Validation of Kinetic Models of the Butanol Isomers at High Pressure using a Rapid Compression Machine

Autoignition delay experiments using a heated rapid compression machine have been performed for the isomers of butanol, including n-, sec-, tert-, and iso-butanol. For stoichiometric mixture conditions, compressed pressures from 15 to 30 bar and compressed temperatures from 700 K to 900 K have been investigated. Previous studies have not found a region of temperature and pressure conditions which produce NTC or two-stage ignition behavior for the butanols. New conditions are tested in this study to help determine whether NTC or two-stage ignition behavior are present for the butanols and to assess the validity of current chemical kinetic models for the combustion of butanol at these engine-like conditions.