This award supports collaborative research between Nicholas Cernansky, Drexel University, and Shi Shaoxi, Tianjin University on the effects of fuel properties and physical factors on engine combustion processes. This award adds an international dimension to work funded under NSF grant CBT 8706030. Through a coordinated research program, with the chemistry of combustion being investigated at Drexel and the physical processes of combustion being studied at Tianjin, the investigators hope to obtain a better understanding of the chemistry and physics in engine combustion and autoignition processes. Drexel will focus on low and intermediate temperature oxidation of hydrocarbons using a variety of laboratory systems, including static and flow reactor systems, to isolate relevant chemical processes. Tianjin will focus on physical factors, such as surface deposits, heat transfer and fluid flow effects, using a variety of laboratory and engine test facilities. Ultimately, this research could lead to improved engine performance.
