Turbulence Chemistry Interactions

Much of our experimental reacting flow research is aimed at gaining better fundamental understanding of the interactions between turbulent fluid dynamics and chemical kinetics in both nonpremixed and premixed flames. These turbulence-chemistry interactions can have significant effects on flame stability and pollutant formation in practical combustion devices.

Multiscalar measurements, based on simultaneous application of Raman scattering, Rayleigh scattering, and laser-induced fluorescence (LIF), are particularly useful in quantifying the effects of turbulent mixing on temperature and species concentrations. Beyond the fundamental insights that these experiments provide, the multiscalar data form an important basis for validation of combustion models.

Pointwise Raman/Rayleigh/LIF measurements are performed in the Turbulent Diffusion Flame (TDF) laboratory, while the line-imaging of Raman/Rayleigh/LIF are combined with PLIF imaging in the Turbulent Combustion Laboratory.

Fundamental issues of turbulence-chemistry interactions form a central theme for the International Workshop on Measurement and Computation of Turbulent Nonpremixed Flames, which is organized by Rob Barlow, along with leading members of the international combustion community.