Combustion

To improve combustion efficiency and prevent pollutant formation, SRI develops advanced laser diagnostics to measure the temperature and concentration of chemical intermediates. SRI’s solutions, including modeling, can be applied to strategies related to alternative fuels, additives, high-temperature materials synthesis, and pollutant emissions reduction.

Diagnostics research in SRI's Molecular Physics Laboratory focuses on laser-induced fluorescence methods and includes basic spectroscopy studies.

SRI's Chemical Science and Technology Laboratory provides expertise in chemical and electrochemical process kinetics and in the design and preliminary assessment of lab and bench-scale combustion research processes.

Solutions include:

  • Flame diagnostic methods

  • Optical sensors

  • Combustion chemistry models

  • Flame emission in microgravity

  • Two-photon excitation methods

  • Amplified spontaneous emission

  • Cavity ringdown absorption spectroscopy

  • Imaging and multiple species methodologies

Projects

An SRI researcher observes FRASTA images on a computer
FRASTA: Fracture Surface Topography Analysis

SRI has developed a breakthrough technology for diagnosing and predicting fatigue failure in pipelines, aircraft, bridges, power plants, and other structures using quantitative 3D fractography.

Topics: Ceramic Composites Coatings for Corrosion Resistance Combustion Explosive Effects + Testing Fracture Physics + Failure Analysis Microscience + Engineering
canisters of hydrogen stacked up next to a flammability warning sign
Hydrogen Safety Research Program

SRI has partnered with Sandia National Laboratories to provide the data necessary to ensure that hydrogen can be used safely as a transportation fuel.

Topics: Combustion Energy Security Explosive Effects + Testing

Divisions, Centers + Labs