This research addresses the physics and chemistry of processes in gas turbine combustors and augmentors as well as pulsed-detonation engines through the study of isolated and interacting droplets, sprays, jet premixed and diffusion flames, swirling flames, and bluff-body stabilized flames. Continuing work requires experimental and theoretical approaches related to the following: (1) turbulent transport, mixing, entrainment, evaporation, droplet drag, drop-spacing effects, atomization, finite-rate chemistry, flame stability, ignition, and blow-out; (2) development of laser-based diagnostic techniques to support combustion and spray experiments; and (3) studies using either time-averaged or large-scale, time-dependent simulations. Numerous well-equipped laboratories contain small- and large-scale combustion tunnels and advanced laser apparatus designed for two-dimensional imaging, coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) spectroscopy; laser Doppler anemometry; phase Doppler particle analysis; laser-induced florescence techniques; hyperspectral absorption spectroscopy; ballistic photon imaging; and femto/picosecond experiments. Access to various combustion flow codes and the DOD ASC Major Shared Resource Center is available for theoretical studies.

Additional Benefits

Awardees who reside more than 50 miles from their host laboratory and remain on tenure for at least six months are eligible for paid relocation to within the vicinity of their host laboratory.

A group health insurance program is available to awardees and their qualifying dependents in the United States.