Note on ignition by a hot catalytic surface

Abstract

In a previous paper [1], we applied asymptotic methods based on large values of the nondimensional activation temperature to study ignition of a reactive material, semi-infinite in extent, subjected to a step increase in temperature at its planar surface. In appendices of that paper, the analysis was extended to consider effects of reactant consumption and of surface catalysis, the latter involving catalytic removal of fuel by the surface at which the temperature increase is imposed. There appears to be increasing interest in this last problem, in connection with situations in which reactants are exposed to hot surfaces which possess the capability of consuming fuel. Therefore, additional considerations, reported herein, have been pursued.