Mechanical Engineering Seminar
Title: |
Science and Technology for Clean Diesel Engines |
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Speaker: |
Dr. Caroline Genzale |
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Affiliation: |
Sandia National Laboratories |
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When: |
Thursday, April 29, 2010 at 11:00:00 AM |
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Where: |
MRDC Building, Room 4211 |
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Host: |
Dr. Srinivas Garimella | |
Abstract Diesel engine vehicles consume less petroleum and produce lower CO2 emissions than their gasoline engine counterparts, offering a potentially advantageous solution for our transportation needs. However, the success of future diesel-engine technologies hinges on developing new combustion strategies that can mitigate harmful emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM). In addition, we will need to develop solutions that can adapt to the emerging landscape of alternative fuels. I will discuss my research efforts to address these challenges, working to provide the science base needed for the practical realization of clean high-efficiency diesel engines. These efforts have primarily focused on the application of laser-based diagnostics to probe combustion processes in optically-accessible engines and high-pressure spray vessels. I will demonstrate how these measurements can provide important breakthroughs in our understanding of the physical and chemical processes of diesel combustion. In addition, this type of data is critical to support improvement of multi-dimensional engine models, which can enable rapid exploration of novel combustion solutions. I will also discuss my recent work on characterizing biodiesel sprays, demonstrating some potential benefits and challenges for future diesel engines. Finally, I will discuss future research opportunities and directions to support new high-efficiency low-emission transportation solutions. |
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Biography Caroline L. Genzale is currently a post-doctoral researcher at the Combustion Research Facility at Sandia National Laboratories. Her research interests include the study of spray mixing and combustion, internal combustion engines, laser diagnostics, and the optimization of engine design for reduced emissions, fuel consumption and adaptation to future fuels. During her 2 years working with Sandia, she has focused on the study of spray and engine combustion processes using a wide variety of optical and laser-based measurement techniques. She received her Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where she worked on the development of multi-dimensional engine models and design optimization tools. |
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