The primary reference fuels n-heptane and iso-octane and their mixtures are used as a measure of the tendency of a given automotive fuel to cause knocking or pre-ignition in an internal combustion engine. Consequently, many experimental studies have been performed on these hydrocarbons in an attempt to better understand their oxidation. Shock tube studies at high temperature and pressure have been performed. Low temperature studies, in which species concentration profiles of primary, intermediate and final products, have been carried out using jet stirred flow reactors. In addition, experiments have been performed in CFR engines and fundamental features of n-heptane autoignition have been observed using a rapid compression machine. A detailed chemical kinetic reaction mechanism is employed here to study the oxidation of both fuels. Computed results are compared with experimental data obtained in the High Pressure Turbulent Flow Reactor at Princeton University.

Chemical Kinetics relates to the rates of chemical reactions and factors such as concentration and temperature, which affects the rates of chemical reactions. Such studies are important in providing essential evidence as to the mechanisms of chemical processes. The book is designed to help the reader, particularly students and researchers of physical science, understand the chemical kinetics mechanics and chemical reactions. The selection of topics addressed and the examples, tables and graphs used to illustrate them are governed, to a large extent, by the fact that this book is aimed primarily at physical science (mainly chemistry) technologists. Undoubtedly, this book contains "must read" materials for students, engineers, and researchers working in the chemistry and chemical kinetics area. This book provides valuable insight into the mechanisms and chemical reactions. It is written in concise, self-explanatory and informative manner by a world class scientists in the field.