CURRENT PROJECTS
at Combustion
Processes Laboratories
Smoldering and Transition to Flaming in Microgravity
NASA Space Flight Program
The objective of the project is to predict smoldering and the transition to flaming
of foams, composite and cellulose materials in conditions expected in space based
facilities. It includes experiments in normal gravity and in microgravity.
The later are being conducted in the Space Shuttle, and are to be continued
in the International Space Station. To date three space flight experiments have
been conducted in the Space Shuttle, and five more are scheduled The results of
the study are used to predict and prevent the potential onset of smoldering
generated fires in ground and space based facilities.
Materials Flammability in Microgravity
NASA Space Flight Program
The project short term objective is to study the effect of
low gravity on the flammability diagrams of combustible materials used
in spacecraft's (plastics, cable jackets, electronic boards, etc.), and
the fire properties derived from them. The final objective is the development
of a new test that describes conditions expected in space facilities
(microgravity, low velocity variable oxygen concentration flow) for
determining the fire properties of materials to be used in those facilities.
The microgravity tests will be conducted in the International Space Station,
with the first flight manifested for October 2004. (Project in collaboration
with Maryland University at College Park).
MEMS-based Rotary Internal Combustion Micro-Engine
DARPA/MEMS
Research aimed to develop a Micro Electronic Mechanical System
(MEMS)-based rotary internal combustion micro-engine, that would be
capable of delivering powers of the order of miliwats using liquid fuels.
Major features of such engine would be: planar (wafer) geometry, silicon
based ceramic material, high temperature semi-adiabatic cycle, normal or
catalytic combustion, direct rotational torque. Because liquid fuels have
a much higher power density than batteries, the project aims at the replacements
of batteries in cases were weight is critical. Potential applications include
propulsion of small devices and portable power generation.
Microgravity Production of Nanoparticles of Novel Materials Using Plasma Synthesis
NASA Ground Based Program
The overall objective of the research is to study the formation in reduced
gravity of particulate of novel materials, in the nano-meter size, and of
high quality, using plasma synthesis. Particular emphasis will be placed on
non-oxide materials like SiC, SiN, c-BN, etc. The interest is to determine
how microgravity synthesis can improve the quality and yield of the nanoparticles
and synthesized powder. The particulate could be applied to the growth of
nano-systems, such as MEMS based combustion systems, catalytic nano-reactors,
fluidized bed reactors and heat exchangers, or to build nano-structures.
Carbon Monoxide and Soot Formation in Inverse Diffusion Flames
NASA Ground Based Program
The objective of the research is to experimentally and computationally
study CO and soot processes in laminar, inverse diffusion flames, which is a
special case of underventilated combustion. An understanding of noxious gas
formation and flame soot signatures during underventilated fires in spacecraft
will be obtained, a goal in line with the Human Exploration and Development of
Space (HEDS) objective of achieving earlier, more sensitive fire detection systems
for use in microgravity scenarios. The project has additional practical
significance for predicting the composition of the intermediate products from
fuel-rich zones in practical staged combustors.
Flame Characteristics of Solid Fuels in Microgravity Conditions and Very Small Flow Velocities
ESA/Spain
Collaboration with the ETSIA, Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Spain to
study the flammability limits, surface flame spread, flame characteristics and
stability limits of the combustion of solid fuels in oxidizer mixtures in
microgravity, low velocity flows. The project has been approved by NASA
to be conducted in the International Space Station
PREVIOUS PROJECTS
Flame Spread over Solid Fuels in Opposed and Concurrent Oxidizing Flows
NIST
Research aimed to the determination of the mechanisms controlling the spread of fire in convective oxidizer flows. Includes theoretical and experimental studies of the effect of the oxidizer flow velocity, turbulence intensity, and oxygen concentration on the rates of flame spread and steady burning, of solid combustible materials. The results are used in the development of fire models and of materials flammability tests.
Ignition and Extinction of Condensed Fuels
NSF
Research includes theoretical and experimental studies of ignition and diffusion flame extinction in boundary layer oxidizer flows established over the surface of solid and liquid fuels. The results provide fundamental information about the limiting conditions of condensed fuel burning.
Liquid Fuel Spray Ignition
ARO/TACOM
Study of the mechanisms of ignition and combustion of liquid fuel droplets and sprays under supercritical conditions. The project includes theoretical and experimental tasks. The results aim to improve the combustion efficiency and reduce emissions of diesel engines and gas turbines.
Stability of Gaseous Fuel Flames
NASA LeRC
Project to study the effect of buoyancy on the stability of premixed and diffusion flames. It includes experimental studies conducted at normal and reduced gravity in the NASA 2.2 seconds drop tower. The results are used to improve our understanding of the mechanisms controlling flame propagation and stabilization.
Flame Spread over Discontinuous Fuels in Microgravity
NASA/NEDO
Collaborative project with Tohoku University, Japan, to study the propagation
of flames over discontinuous fuels in reduced gravity. The microgravity experiments
are to be conducted in the JAMIC drop tower facility in Saporo, Japan.
NOx reduction in Diesel Engines by Ammonia Injection
Extengine Transport Systems
Study of the feasibility and performance of adding ammonia in the exhaust
manifold of diesel engines to reduce NOx emissions. The results of the project
could result in the implementation of the method in stationary and moving power
plants using diesel to reduce emissions.
Flat Plate Diffusion Flame Combustion in Microgravity
ESA/CNRS, France
Collaboration with the Laboratoire de Chimie Physic de la Combustion, University of Poitiers, France, to study diffusion flames in a flat plate boundary layer flow in microgravity. The objective is to provide experimental data for model verification ("Emmons Problem"), and information about the burning characteristics of combustible materials in microgravity.
Liquid Fuel Pool Fires and Boilover Burning of Fuels Spilled on Water
CNRS, France
Collaboration with LCD-ENSMA, University of Poitiers, France, to study the burning characteristics (boilover) of liquid fuel spills, particularly the conditions leading to the nucleate boiling of the sub-layer water and the subsequent explosive burning of heavy hydrocarbon fuels (diesel oil, heating oil, etc.) floating on the water.
High Efficiency, Low Nox, Natural Gas Burner
UERG
Feasibility study of a two stage, ultra-low Nox and CO natural gas burner. It consists of a first stage with a premixed flame anchored at a porous burner with a highly radiant surface, and a second stage with a lean turbulent diffusion flame. The burner could be developed for use in appliances and small boilers
Resonant Gas Burner
Osaka Gas, Japan
Project to study the feasibility and performance of a gas burner operating on a resonant vortex combustion mode. The large residence times and enhanced mixing of the resonant vortex operation could permit a lean operation of the burner that would be more efficient and produce less Nox emissions.
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