Spectroscopic Analysis of Diesel Combustion Flame by Means of Streak Camera

Band spectra in ultraviolet and visible ranges contain information on the state of combustion flame. Measurement of those spectra in diesel combustion flame, however, has been regarded as impossible because of the obstruction of bright flame and soot. The phenomena of diesel combustion, therefore, have not been analized clearly from the viewpoint of chemical reaction.

The authors inserted an optical fiber into the diesel combustin chamber to detect the flame. The combustion flame was recorded by a special spectroscopic apparatus, named “Streak camera”, and the recorded image was subjected to spectroscopic analysis. The result of the experiments confirmed the existence of band spectra emitted from CH and OH radicals in the ultraviolet and visible ranges. The recorded data made clear the progress of chemical reactions and the formation of intermediate products during the diesel combustion process.