Ignition of aluminum powders mixed with liquid hydrocarbon fuels in air

The feasibility of ignition of aluminum powders in air is studied by examining a number of hydrocarbon fuels, promoter additives in them, and hybrid systems of liquid mixtures and powders in shock waves. Data are obtained on the ignition delays for each of the components and mixtures of them. It is shown that for temperatures of 1000–2000 K, ignition is possible, with delays of less than 2 msec, in hybrid systems of Al powders having a dispersity of 5–10 $\mu$m with diesel fuel and added fatty-alcohol nitrates.