Department of Mechanical Engineering

ME Seminar Series: Combustion Imaging in Alternative Fuel Engines Including Biodiesel and Hydrogen

 

Department of Mechanical Engineering Seminar Series
11:00 AM– 12:00 PM
September 25, 2007
1227 Hoover Hall

Combustion Imaging in Alternative Fuel Engines Including Biodiesel and Hydrogen

Dr. Stephen A. Ciatti
Center for Transportation Research
Argonne National Laboratory

Alternative fuel engines present an opportunity to utilize recent advanced technologies to improve efficiency, reduce emissions and reduce U.S. dependence upon petroleum imports.  If used appropriately, fuels such as hydrogen, biodiesel and ethanol offer significant advantages in combustion strategy and engine control.  However, the basic combustion characteristics of these fuels, operating in real engines, still need to be explored.  This presentation details the use of endoscope and fiber optic combustion imaging techniques to assist engine manufacturers in the optimization of engine operation using alternative fuels.
 
The Center for Transportation Research at Argonne National Laboratory (Chicago, IL), a U.S. Department of Energy laboratory, performs research on all classes of engines and vehicles.  Facilities include 9 engine test cells, 2 vehicle chassis dynamometers, the Advanced Photon Source (the nations largest x-ray synchrotron) and other advanced scientific facilities.

Biography

Dr. Stephen Ciatti is currently an Engine Research Scientist at Argonne National Laboratory. He received PhD from University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2001. His specialties include optical and X-ray diagnostic techniques for engines. Dr. Ciatti has developed and performed numerous in-cylinder combustion diagnostics techniques to study the details of engine combustion. He is an active member in the ASME engine technical committee. His current projects include direct injection in a hydrogen engine and alternative fuels operated in an automotive diesel.

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