The concept of using rapid adiabatic compression-expansion for doing chemical reactions promises to be an energy efficient alternative to conventional chemical reactors. In this article, the production of synthesis gas by steam methane reforming using the rapid adiabatic compression-expansion principle is investigated. This was done experimentally as well as with simulations. The experiments were done by means of a single shot reactor, with great control over the reactant composition, reactor temperature and reciprocation path. Simulations were done with an ideally stirred tank reactor model using detailed chemical kinetics. Experiments were done with different mixtures and at various initial temperatures. Simulation results show very good agreement with the experimental data, with the exception of soot formation which was not included in the simulations, and give great insight into the reaction processes that occur within the one cycle. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.