The project will use modern non-intrusive laser diagnostics to explore issues in fuel injector design for automotive and aeronautical engines. An issue of particular interest is flame instability in modern gas turbine combustors. The heat output of the combustor oscillates rapidly, causing serious physical damage to the engine. This problem is holding up the installation of new generation low-pollution combustors. Another key issue is fuel transport in commercial and Formula 1 engine intake manifolds.
Fuel strikes the manifold walls creating a liquid film that impedes engine responsivity.
Portable, self-calibrating spray measurement instrument Laser imaging techniques have revolutionised the laboratory analysis of spray systems. This project will build a portable system to free the new techniques from the laboratory, to apply them in-situ for industrial processes. The project will involve building a portable, integrated laser based instrument for droplet size and concentration measurements, and developing a device for in-situ calibration. Applications include fuel injection, firefighting, agriculture, manufacturing, chemical and pharmaceutical industries. Partially Premixed Flame Studies.