Spark ignition chemistry

We have previously demonstrated (].) our ability to make time-resolved mass spectrometer sampling measurements of a flame propagating through a combustion bomb. Our interest in making these kinds of measurements is to study the chemistry of ignition by various ignition methods and to determine the value of these different methods for combustion modification. This report presents our first results on the chemistry of spark ignition. 

There are at least two reasons why a detailed study of spark ignition is worthwhile. First, very little is known about the chemistry of spark ignition. The identity and quantity of radicals produced in different mixtures compared to the amount of energy deposited as heat could be an important factor in the ignitability of these mixtures. An improved method of ignition could decrease the hydrocarbon emissions from a direct-injection... 

The ignition process is basically the same for any tubed firework, but when the sparks start to fly, the chemistry becomes very different. Sparks are self-luminous but they need atmospheric oxygen to sustain the high temperature oxidising reaction with the steel particles or other emitters that are present, as described in the previous chapter. 

Fran9ois Chaussier (Dijon, 1746-Paris, 9 June 1828) was professor in the Faculty of Medicine in Paris, First Physician in the Maternity Hospital, and for a time professor of chemistry in the iScole Pol3rtechnique. Most of his writings are medical or medico-legal. He described a number of experiments with hydrogen, including its ignition by an electric spark, to the Dijon Academy in 1777. He discovered sodium thiosulphate (hydrosulfure sul re... 

---