A solid-gas-phase model for thick wood gasification/combustion is extensively studied, after a re-examination of the kinetic constants for the char gasification reactions. The solid-phase model, which includes the description of all the relevant heat and mass transfer phenomena and chemical reactions, is coupled with a CFD code for the gas-phase processes. Both the gasification and combustion of single wood logs are simulated (log radius in the range of 0.06-0.1 m, initial moisture content, on a dry basis, 1-81%, inlet gas temperature 1253-1613 K, inlet gas velocity 0.5-1.0 m/s, and various compositions of the gaseous mixture). For comparison purposes, a solid-phase model, with global heat and mass transfer coefficients and a constant-property gas phase, is also considered. Although both models predict the mass loss dynamics to be qualitatively similar, the solid-phase model overestimates the total heat flux and underestimates the char combustion rate. Extensive experimental validation of both models is carried out in terms of conversion time and average mass-loss rates. Acceptable agreement is obtained for the comprehensive model, whereas in the other case, the conversion times are generally underestimated and the average mass loss rates are overestimated. However, improvements in the predictive capabilities of the solid-phase model could be achieved through the introduction of corrective factors for the external heat and mass transfer coefficients.

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The results of the linear theory for the flow of a supersonic relaxing gas past a slender body of revolution are analysed in regions where its predictions of wavelet position begin to break down. In this way new variable systems can be found which make it possible to discuss the correct nonlinear wave behaviour far from the body. The situation depends upon three especially important parameters, namely the thickness ratio ε of the body, the ratio δ of relaxing-mode energy to thermal energy and the ratio λ of a relaxation length to a typical body length. After establishing general results from the linear theory, the conical body is treated in some detail. This makes it possible to demote λ as an important parameter, although its restoration does prove useful at one point in the analysis, and results are derived for shock-wave behaviour when ord 1 [ges ] δ > ord ε4, δ = ord ε4and δ < ord ε4. In the first range of δ fully dispersed waves are essential, although they are fully established only at great distances from the cone; in the second range of δ partly dispersed waves seem to be the most likely to appear, and in the third range relaxation effects are second-order modifications of a basically frozen-flow field. Practical situations may well fall into the first of these categories.