This study analyzes the burning behavior of a liquid fuel floating on water with the interaction of waves. As In-Situ burning becomes a more viable way to clean up oil spills, it is increasingly important to study the combustion of liquid fuels floating on water. In this study, thin layers of kerosene poured into a circular, floating test pan were burned in a rectangular water-filled tank. The tank is equipped with a wave generator. Several initial fuel layer thicknesses and wave profiles were tested. Lower water sublayer and fuel/water interface temperatures were observed when waves were added, as well as increased total burn time. An upward trend in burning rate and burned mass ratio as wave steepness increases was also observed.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Cuendet, Julia M.

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• 22916
• E-project-050621-123859

Keyword

• Waves
• In-situ burning
• Boilover
• Thin-layer fuel combustion

Advisor

• Rangwala, Ali S.

Year

• 2021

Date created

• 2021-05-06

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Mechanical Engineering

Rights statement

• In Copyright