The Research Improvement in Minority Institutions (RIMI) program was designed to increase the participation of minorities in scientific and engineering research. The program provides support to strengthen the research environments and capabilities of institutions that have substantial minority student enrollments. Eligible institutions must also have graduate programs in science or programs in engineering. Investigators at Wayne State University will use RIMI support to study soot emissions and the aromatic hydrocarbons associated with these emissions. The study will focus on the characterization of the soot formation process by examining properties such as size, shape, and the number density of soot particulates. Laser diagnostics will be used to predict the radiation heat transfer from root particulates by measuring their optical properties. These studies will increase our knowledge about emission control mechanisms as they apply to engines. This project on radiative properties and control techniques of soot particles will encourage more minorities to choose careers in science and engineering in an area where the automobile industry is a major contributor to this Nation's economy. The principal investigator has published extensively on the thermodynamics of engines and is well qualified to conduct the research.
