Interactive Self-Study Module: Adiabatic Flame Temperature
Overview:
This module uses screencasts and an interactive simulation to explain how to calculate the adiabatic flame temperature, which is the maximum temperature achieved when a fuel is burned completely and no heat is lost to the surroundings. It then provides example problems to allow the user to test themselves. Your retention of material in this module will increase if you write down reasons for your answers to ConcepTests, questions in screencasts, and questions to answer before using the interactive simulation, and you try to solve the example problems before watching the screencast solutions. We suggest using the learning resources in the following order:
- Attempt to answer the multiple-choice ConcepTest and solve the example problem before watching the screencasts or working with the simulation.
- Watch the screencasts that describe adiabatic flame temperature and answer the questions within the screencasts and use the spreadsheet.
- Review important equations for adiabatic flame temperature.
- Use the interactive simulation to further understand adiabatic flame temperature.
- Try to solve the example problem before watching the solution in the screencast.
- Answer the ConcepTests.
- Look at the list of key points, but only after you try to list the key points yourself.
Motivation:
- This module is intended for courses in material and energy balances and thermodynamics.
Before studying this module, you should be able to:
- Calculate Material Balances.
- Use temperature-dependent Heat Capacities to calculate enthalpy changes.
- Calculate the heat of reaction from heats of formation.
- Apply the first law of thermodynamics for a flow system.
After studying this module, you should be able to:
- Calculate the adiabatic flame temperature when a fuel burns completely.
- Understand how using oxygen, air, or excess air affects the adiabatic temperature.
- Explain what additional reactions need to be considered when using pure O2 to burn a fuel.