Iowa State Engineer Developing Ultra-Fast Laser Sensors for Combustion Analysis

5 December 2007

An assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Iowa State University is developing ultra-fast laser sensors for the optical analysis of combustion flows.

Using lasers of different wavelengths, Terry Meyer’s combustion sensors can record where pollutants such as soot, nitric oxide and carbon monoxide are being formed. The sensors can also look for unburned fuel and capture data about fuel sprays, fuel-air mixing and energy release.

The goal is to probe this harsh environment to provide the knowledge required to reduce pollutant emissions and enable the utilization of alternative fuels.

—Terry Meyer

Meyer’s lab is now working on a two-year project to develop and advance laser techniques for such analysis. An important goal of the project is to analyze and improve the performance of alternative fuels in modern combustion systems.

Meyer’s research is supported by an $87,000 grant from the Grow Iowa Values Fund, a state economic development program. This grant is supplemented by a contribution of products and engineering expertise from Goodrich Corporation’s Engine Components unit in West Des Moines, a producer of fuel system components for aircraft engines, auxiliary power units, power-generating turbines and home heating systems.

ConocoPhillips, the third largest integrated energy company in the United States, is supporting similar projects in Meyer&rsqo;s lab. The projects are part of ConocoPhillips’ eight-year, $22.5 million research program at Iowa State. Meyer’s research is also drawing interest and support from sources such at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration and the US Air Force.