Journal of Microwave Power and Electromagnetic Energy (JMPEE)
TITLE	Potential Uses of Microwaves to Increase Internal Combustion Engine Efficiency and Reduce Exhaust Pollutants [PDF]
AUTHORS	M.A.V. Ward 1977 12 3 187-200
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Abstract The possibility of applying microwave energy to a burning hydrocarbon-air fuel mixture in a conventional internal combustion (IC engine in order to stimulate the burning of a low polluting lean mixture is considered. It is shown that typical flame front electron plasma properties and combustion chamber dimensions are such that significant conversion of microwave energy to electron energy occurs. In turn, the electrons will give up a substantial portion of their excess energy to excitation of internal energy levels of molecules which are known to accelerate chemical reaction rates. In this way, microwave energy can be used to excite the relatively cool flame front molecules to more unstable states, thereby promoting their entry into reaction at temperatures where flame-quenching might occur or where the flame front may propagate too slowly.