Study on the ignition characteristics of porous iron particles based on fractal theory

Iron, recognized for its ideal combustion properties among metal fuels, forms the focus of this research due to its recyclability and minimal oxide production. A fractal model based on hemispherical surface is introduced to simulate the ignition of porous iron particles, considering variations in porosity and initial oxide thickness. This research employs numerical simulations to analyze the heat transfer dynamics and oxidation kinetics under varying conditions of porosity and initial oxide layer thickness. The results reveal that increased porosity significantly enhances the combustion reactivity by lowering both ignition temperature and delay times, attributed to the increased surface area available for oxidation. This study not only furthers our understanding of the fractal properties of iron particles but also suggests that manipulating porosity could optimize metal fuel combustion in industrial applications.