Modeling and analytical simulation of a smouldering carbonaceous rod

Abstract

Modeling of pyrolysis and combustion in a smouldering fuel bed requires the solution of flow, heat and mass transfer through porous media. This paper presents an analytical method for describing the smouldering of a porous carbonaceous rod. We assume that no local thermal equilibrium exist between the phases. Also, the initial temperatures are assumed to depend on space variable. We prove the existence and uniqueness of solution of the model by actual solution method. The coupled non-linear partial differential equations describing the phenomenon have been decoupled using parameter-expanding method and solved analytically using eigenfunction expansion technique. The results obtained were discussed. The study shows that the Frank-Kamenetskii number, Scaled thermal conductivity of gas and solid phases and Species diffusion coefficient have a significant effects on the slow burning process associated with porous carbonaceous rod.

Keywords: Pyrolysis, smouldering, combustion, carbonaceous rod, pyrolysis reactions, analytical solution