The Combustion group performs experimental and theoretical combustion research, applying our expertise in well-stirred reactor (WSR) studies, ignition and flame stabilization, gaseous and particulate emissions research, and laser diagnostics of combustion processes. We have investigated turbulent swirl flame stability and extinction, ignition delays using shock tubes, kinetically-controlled combustion and the emissions of pollutants such as CO and NOx, and toxins. We have also performed research in a step swirl combustor, coaxial jet swirl combustor, and dual-dome annular combustor sectors. In addition to providing fundamental insights into combustion, this research work has also yielded benchmark-quality data sets for refining computer models used by industry to design gas turbine combustors.

Combustion research in the Environmental Engineering group is conducted in the following areas: high pressure combustion research using shock tubes, combustion of hazardous wastes, emissions of hazardous air pollutants from combustion and manufacturing processes, reaction kinetics studies, computational studies using ab initio and Chemkin III codes, development of advanced chromatographic analytical techniques, and trace-level analytical studies of organic contaminants in air.

Selected Publications

Capabilities

• Well Stirred Reactor (WSR)
• High Pressure Shock Tubes
• Combustion Test Facility with Swirl-Cup Fuel Injector
• Thermal Decomposition Laboratory:
  • Advanced Thermal Reactor System
  • System for Thermal Diagnostic Studies
  • Thermal Stability Analyzer
• Analytical & Laser Diagnostics Instrumentation Laboratory:
  • Time of Flight Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry
  • Laser Ionization/Photoionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
  • Tapered Element Oscillating Microbalance (TEOM) for soot emissions
  • Laser Induced Fluorescence
  • Laser Sheet Lighting Flow Visualization
  • Laser Doppler Anemometry
  • High Resolution NOx Emissions Analyzer