Combustie

Combustie, commonly referred to as combustion, is the chemical process in which a fuel reacts rapidly with an oxidizer, releasing heat and often light. It is an exothermic oxidation reaction that typically requires an ignition source and a sufficient supply of oxidizer. In hydrocarbon fuels, complete combustion with enough oxygen yields carbon dioxide and water; energy is released as heat. Incomplete combustion, caused by limited oxygen or poor mixing, produces carbon monoxide, soot, and other pollutants, with lower energy efficiency.

Key factors include the stoichiometric air–fuel ratio, mixture richness, temperature, and pressure. The equivalence ratio describes how lean (excess oxidizer) or rich (excess fuel) a mixture is. Different flame regimes exist, such as premixed flames, diffusion flames, and flameless oxidation. Combustion can proceed as deflagration (subsonic flame front) or detonation (supersonic shock-driven).

Applications are widespread: internal combustion engines, gas turbines, boilers, furnaces, and various industrial processes, as well as residential fires and welding torches. The efficiency and emissions of combustion depend on design, fuel type, and operating conditions.

Environmental and safety considerations include emissions of CO2, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulates; flame hazards, ignition risks, and explosion potential. Pollution controls, proper ventilation, and process optimization are used to reduce impacts, while advances in catalysis and alternative fuels aim to decrease environmental footprint.

The word combustie derives from Latin combustio, via French and English terminology. The concept has central importance in energy production, transport, and safety engineering.