Significance of reaction CH3 + NO = H2CN + OH in two-stage ignition of nitromethane

Two-stage ignition of nitromethane diluted in Ar is investigated at various equivalence ratios (0.2–0.5), dilution levels (93%–97%), and pressures (4–16 atm) with a heated shock tube apparatus. OH* emission profiles are used to determine ignition delay times. The second-stage ignition delay time increases with increasing equivalence ratio or dilution level, but is insensitive to pressure especially at high dilution levels. The first-stage...