This project will explore new techniques for obtaining clear images of objects buried in dense fogs and particle laden flows. Novel photon-transport codes will be used to understand the fundamental problems and to try out potential solutions. Promising solutions will be applied in the laboratory. Potential applications include industrial flows, underwater and firefighting operations, meteorology and medicine. Fuel injection studies Fuel injection is critical to todays auto and aero engines.
Engine design is driven by efficiency and pollution considerations.
Improved design requires improved understanding which is best acquired by measurement of flow velocities, droplet sizes and fuel concentrations. 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.