Development of a measuring technique for simultaneous in situ detection of nanoscaled particle size distributions and gas temperatures.

Point measurements of time-resolved LII signals have been performed in sooting premixed low pressure flames. Soot particle size distribution and gas temperature in these flames are known from independent measurements. This data is used to validate parameters of an improved LII model, where special emphasis is taken on the accurate modelling of mass and heat transfer rates. Using this model particle size distributions and gas temperatures can be estimated from time-resolved LII signals using non-linear regression. Standard numerical methods are applied. An experimental setup is presented, which allows measuring one-dimensional maps of particle size distribution and gas temperature. The technique is based on the one-dimensional and time-resolved detection of LII signals using a Streak camera.

Flame front imaging in an internal-combustion engine simulator by laser-induced fluorescence of acetaldehyde.

Acetaldehyde has been used as a fluorescent dopant for two-dimensional imaging of the flame front in an internalcombustion-engine simulator. The molecule was excited with a XeCl-laser-light sheet at 308 nm, and broadband fluorescence centered at 400 nm was detected. In this way, the flame front could be marked by mapping regions of unburned gas. Also, the intake process into the engine could be followed.

Laser in situ monitoring of combustion processes.

Several examples of laser in situ monitoring of combustion processes are presented. Using a frequency modulated (13)CO(2) waveguide laser, in situ concentrations of NH(3) down to 1 ppm were measured at temperatures up to 600 degrees C in waste incinerators and power or chemical plants. Following ignition of CH(3)OH-O(2) mixtures by a TEA CO(2) laser, gas temperature profiles were measured using rapid scanning tunable diode laser spectroscopy of CO molecules. In laminar CH(4)-air counterflow diffusion flames at atmospheric pressure absolute concentrations, temperatures, and collisional lifetimes of OH radicals were determined by 2-D and picosecond LIF and absorption spectroscopy. Two-dimensional LIF and Mie scattering were used to observe fuel injection and combustion in a diesel engine.