Soot generation in a turbulent flame is a simultaneous process of formation and surface oxidation. It is difficult to understand this process unless these two phenomena are studied separately. This study considers the behavior of a known soot sample in a non-reacting turbulent medium. LDV, absorption and Schlieren measurements will monitor the history of the soot in a typical propane combustion experiment. The project should illuminate the soot generation process in a variety of generating conditions such as different fuels, mixing ratios and turbulence levels. This new understanding would facilitate fire detection and control, as well as a combustor design.
