Olefin chemistry in a premixed n-heptane flame

Three different n-heptane mechanisms were used to simulate a fuel-rich normal heptane premixed flame in order to identify major reaction pathways for olefin formation and consumption and areas of uncertainties of these reactions. Olefins are formed mainly via ?-scission and hydrogen abstraction, and smaller olefins are sometimes formed by combination of allylic radicals and H/CH3 radicals. Olefins are consumed by direct decomposition, radical-addition, and hydrogen-abstraction reactions. Isomerization between alkyl radicals plays an important role in olefin formation and in determining olefin species distribution. Peroxy radicals contribute to the olefin formation in the low-temperature region, but further studies are needed to resolve many uncertainties.