An investigation of field-assisted combustion is proposed. The planned research will focus on the role of electromagnetic fields in the mechanism of self-sustaining reactions. Preliminary observations have demonstrated that the imposition of electric fields alters markedly the kinetics of the process as well as the nature of the products of combustion. The goal of the study is to provide a basis for the inclusion of a field as a processing parameter in combustion synthesis. The proposed approach will focus on the use of thermal as well as material analyses to ascertain the role of the field. These include the use of the Boddington-Laye method temperature profile analysis. Anticipated results will determine the nature of the field effect in terms of thermal or chemical contributions to the combustion wave reaction. Both electric and magnetic field effects will be investigated. The proposed work represents a continuation of the already established collaborative arrangement with FSU scientists in accordance with the established Memorandum of Understanding between NSF and the FSU Academy of Sciences. Participants from the FSU will include Professor Shteinberg from the Russian Institute (RISM) of Structural Macro-kinetics, Professor Maximov (RISM), and Dr. Gedevanishili from the Tavadze Inst. of Metallurgy of the Georgia Academy of Science. The U.S. portion of the research will be carried out at UCD and the Russian portion conducted at the Tomsk Branch of RISM at the main facility in Chernogolovka, and at the Tavadze Institute if Metallurgy. A coordinated research plan will be conducted in the US and FSU initially on the same combustion systems and subsequent investigations will assume a different emphasis depending on the initial results. It is anticipated that the proposed research will impact both fundamental and applied aspects of combustion synthesis.
