MECH 5204: Fundamentals of Combustion

Assignment 1

1) Derive expressions for the following:

a. Yi in terms of Xi, MWi, MWmix
b. [i] in terms of i, MWi
c. [i] in terms of , Yi, MWi
d. [i] in terms of p, Yi, T, MWi
e. [i] in terms of p, T, Xi

2) Assuming “complete” combustion, write out a general stoichiometric balance

equation (with variable coefficients) for 1 mol of an arbitrary alcohol fuel (CxHyOz).
Determine the number of moles of air required to burn 1 mole of fuel. Use this result
to calculate:
i) the stoichiometric air-fuel ratio (mass based) for methanol (CH3OH);
ii) the mass-based air to fuel ratio of methanol at an equivalence ratio of 0.8, and
iii) compare air-fuel ratios in i) & ii). to those of methane.

3) Consider a biomass derived syngas fuel with the following volumetric composition:
40% CO, 20% H2, 20% CO2, 10% CH4, 10% N2. Write out the complete
stoichiometric combustion reaction for this fuel burning with air and determine the
stoichiometric air-fuel ratio on a molar and mass basis. What is the lower heating
value of this fuel on a volume basis (MJ/m3)?

4) The higher heating value for liquid octane (C8H18) at 298K is 47893 kJ/kg and the
heat of vaporization is 363 kJ/kg. Determine the enthalpy of formation at 298K for
octane vapour.

5) Determine the adiabatic flame temperature for constant-pressure combustion of a

stoichiometric propane-air mixture assuming reactants at 298K, no dissociation of the
products and:
a. Constant specific heats evaluated at 298K
b. Constant specific heats evaluated at 2000K
c. Using sensible enthalpies evaluated from property tables (Appendix A)

6) For a constant-volume stoichiometric propane-air mixture initially at 298K, determine

the adiabatic flame temperature and final pressure assuming constant specific heats
evaluated at 298K. Compare your answer with 5c above.