Fast Nitrogen Dioxide Reactions: Significance during NO Decomposition and NO 2 Formation

Simple mechanisms are proposed for both NO decomposition and NO2 formation at typical combustion conditions. Analytical studies indicate that the fast NO2 reactions, NO2 + M NO + O + M and NO + O2 O + N2, have a strong effect on both systems. During NO decomposition (1400 < T < 2500°K), these reactions maintain equilibrium between atomic and molecular oxygen. They also promote rapid conversion of NO to NO2 (600 < T < 1200 °K) in the presence of atomic oxygen, and may thus explain NO2 formation in gas turbine combustors. Practical evaluation of both mechanisms will require consideration of hydrocarbon kinetics and mixing effects.