Combustion Research
High pressure and temperature combustion
Laser diagnostic studies are performed in a high pressure, high temperature flow facility capable of full-scale aeroengine injector testing with liquid fuels. Current studies are focused on understanding flame structure, soot formation and thermoacoustics of flames as a function of operating condition and injector geometry.
Turbulent flame structure in stratified combustion
We are interested in whether non-uniformities in fuel distribution affect flame propagation beyond quasi-steady assumptions. In collaboration with Sandia National Labs, we have analyzed line Raman-Rayleigh and cross-planar OH PLIF images as validation databases for model flames.
Dynamics of stratified flames
We have investigated the dynamics of flames with radial fuel stratification with respect to flow fluctuations. The experiments were produced using an annular fuel delivery configuration. We have found that the structure and stabilization of the flames is significantly affected by the stratification, and that the flame response to the fluctuations is not a very strong function to fuel distribution. Surprisingly, however, flames with a richer outer zone were less sensitive to fluctuations than premixed flames or flames that are richer at the center.
Oxyfuel combustion of coal
How does coal burn in air and in CO2/O2 mixtures? The current project seeks to generate detailed velocity and scalar information on the structure of coal/O2/N2/CO2 flames which can be used in the design of the next generation of oxyfuel coal power plants for carbon sequestration.
Combustion properties of biofuels
There is currently significant interest in using palm oil as an alternative fuel. Measurements of laminar flame speeds of these fuels using digital PIV and an impinging flame configuration, and detailed measurements of biofuel sprays have been made. Laminar flame speeds are similar to those of fuels of comparable molecular weight, but shifted towards the rich range in stoichiometry.