Quantum-cascade-laser dual-comb spectroscopy (QCL-DCS) is a promising technology with ultra-fast time resolution capabilities for chemical kinetics, atmospheric gas sensing, and combustion applications. A pair of quantum-cascade frequency combs were used to measure absorbance from methane’s band between 1270 and 1315 cm−1 at high-temperature and -pressure conditions that were generated using a high-pressure shock tube. Results here mark a major improvement over previous QCL-DCS measurements in shock tubes. Improvements came from a unique spectral-filtering strategy to correct for a bimodal power-spectral density of QCL frequency combs and careful optimization of the laser setup and experimental conditions. Our modified QCL-DCS was ultimately used to measure temperature within 2% and methane mole fraction within 5% by fitting HITEMP spectral simulations to spectra recorded at 4 μs temporal resolution. We measure temperature and species time-histories during methane pyrolysis at conditions between 1212–1980 K, and 12–17 atm, all at 4 μs resolution. Good agreement is observed with kinetic models, illustrating the potential of future applications of DCS in kinetics and combustion research.

We report the application of a multiwavelength speciation strategy to the study of n-pentane (nC5H12) pyrolysis behind reflected shock waves in a shock tube. Experiments were conducted with 2% nC5H12/0.8%CO2/Ar (by mole) between 1150 and 1520 K in the pressure range of 1–2 atm. Utilization of laser absorption spectroscopy at eight wavelengths allowed time-resolved measurements of n-pentane, ethylene, methane, heavy alkenes, and temperature. The measured time histories were compared against the predictions of four recently developed chemical kinetic models for heavy hydrocarbons. It was found that none of the models reconciled the measured species time histories simultaneously. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to identify key reactions influencing the evolution of ethylene and other major pyrolysis products. The analysis revealed that the unimolecular decomposition of n-pentane into n-propyl and ethyl radicals has a dominating influence over the evolution of ethylene in the temperature range of 1150–1450 K. The rate coefficient of this reaction was then adjusted to match the measured ethylene time histories for each experiment. The rate coefficients thus determined, were fit against temperature using an Arrhenius expression given by k 1(T) = 3.5 × 1014 exp­(−67.2 kcal/RT) s–1. The average overall 2σ uncertainty of the measured rate coefficient was found to be ±35%, resulting primarily from uncertainties in the rate coefficients of secondary reactions. The measured rate coefficient, when used with the models, leads to a significant improvement in the prediction of species time histories. Further improvements in the model are possible if the rate coefficients of relevant reactions pertaining to small hydrocarbon chemistry are determined with an improved accuracy, and less uncertainty. To the best knowledge of the authors, this is the first experimental determination of the rate coefficient of C5H12 → nC3H7 + C2H5.

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