The report is the first in a series of four, documenting research performed under EPA's Fundamental Combustion Research (FCR) program. It is divided in two: Part A is a program overview and an introduction to the series; and Part B documents research performed in the gas-phase chemistry area. The primary focus of the FCR program is to better understand phenomena controlling formation of nitrogen oxides (NOx) from stationary combustion sources. A major effort was mounted to develop a set of elementary reactions describing NOx formation, particularly those involving fuel-bound nitrogen species. Since NOx formation is intimately coupled with the heat release process, it was essential that the assembled reaction set also accurately describe hydrocarbon oxidation. A methodology was employed where-by the kinetic set was systematically developed and evaluated. Development began with the simple hydrogen/air system and progressed in verified steps to methane/air. Each step involved comparison of prediction with available experimental data. Behavior at both short and long characteristics times was evaluated.

"Report no. EPA/600/7-85/048." "Report date October 1985." "Final report period 1/77 - 9/80." Microfiche.