MRI: Acquisition of a Fast Particulate Spectrometer

Bucknell University, Lewisburg PA

Investigators

Abstract

1337929 Brahma This proposal seeks to acquire a fast particulate spectrometer that can measure the particle size distribution of automotive exhaust in real time. The instrument will be used for four primary research activities. First, it will be used to develop decision tree algorithms for real time detection of high particle Number (PN) concentration thresholds in gasoline and diesel engine exhaust. Second, the proposed instrument will be used to develop a new hybrid modeling method that combines the robustness of dimensional models and the accuracy of empirical models for PN emission predictions. Third, the proposed instrument will used to study particle size distributions resulting from biofuels and from different combustion strategies in small engines that are not electronically controlled and do not use high injection pressures, exhaust gas recirculation or particulate filters. Such engines can be found in gardening equipment, residential generators and two-wheelers around the world. Fourth, the proposed instrument will be used to understand secondary aerosol formation in the atmosphere, understand the effect of lubricant additives on the toxicity of PN emissions, and used for the development of surrogate jet fuels to create chemical kinetic sub-models within a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) framework to aid gas turbine combustor design, through collaborative projects with the Chemical Engineering Department and the Chemistry Department, respectively.