Project:	Study of the factors influencing autoignition in fuels in the ASTM-E659 apparatus.
Disciplines:	Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautics
Mentor:	Joseph Shepherd, Professor Emeritus, (EAS), joseph.e.shepherd@caltech.edu
AO Contact:	Charline Fouchier, charline@caltech.edu
Background:	The conditions leading to the autoignition of hexane are being investigated using OpenFOAM. Recent work is documented in [2][3]. One aspect not yet captured in our simulations is the effect of fuel injection into the hot atmosphere and its vaporization. This project aims to study how injection parameters and fuel vaporization influence the ignition process.
Description:	A bibliographical review will first be conducted to gain familiarity with the ASTM test [3]. Next, the self-ignition of hexane will be simulated within a simplified version of the actual testing cell to become familiar with our existing OpenFOAM solver. The impact of injection and vaporization will then be investigated, and the results will be compared with experimental measurements. This project will improve the modeling of ignition processes under ASTM-E659 conditions and clarify the physical mechanisms that determine the measured autoignition temperature.
References:	[1] ASTM-E659 (2005). Standard test method for autoignition temperature of liquid chemicals. American Society for Testing and Materials. [2] Davis, B., Fouchier, C., & Shepherd, J. E. (2025). Fluid motion and heat transfer in an ASTM-E659 apparatus. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, 105558. [3] Davis, B., Shepherd, J., & Mével, R. (2026). Numerical modeling of gaseous n-hexane autoignition in an ASTM-E659 apparatus. Fuel, 405, 136691.
Student Requirements:	Background needed: Fluid dynamics and heat transfer Skills needed: Computational fluid dynamics tool: OpenFOAM. Enthusiasm, responsibility, and eagerness to learn. Knowledge goals: Experimental and theoretical characterization of ignition processes, Advanced knowledge of numerical methods applied for combustion
Programs:	This AO can be done under the following programs:   Program    Available To        SURF    both Caltech and non-Caltech students  Click on a program name for program info and application requirements.