This information enabled researchers to vary parameters to optimize energy release and minimize pollution. Simulating similar flames has had significant implications for the heat-pump industry. The heat-pump manufacturers were able to fix the problem by installing an inexpensive part when maintenance was needed on a pump. The result was a more efficient flame that provides more power with less pollution. An ocean modeling project Douglas is currently working on could have similar economic implications although the problem bears little resemblance to the one presented by the flames.
Oceans have a major effect on the climates of continents to the east.
When the water flow changes, so do the weather conditions. Working jointly with two scientists at Rudgers University, Douglas is doing research to study the flow of water in the northeast Pacific Ocean starting in the northern United States. The research will tie into work being done on global climate modeling and produce flow calculations for a part of the Pacific Ocean. The applications of this research could be worth billions to the economies of several states over a short period of time. By providing the states with climate models, the research will give them very general weather predictions for as far as two years away.