Articles tagged with Combustion
A new AI-powered system developed at the University of Waterloo can predict how modern house fires behave, enabling smarter evacuation routes and safer buildings. The system analyzes complex data from experimental fires using machine-learning algorithms, providing insights into toxic smoke hazards and combustion chemistry.
Blending moderate amounts of organic cleaning wastewater with coal lowers ignition temperature and reduces combustion activation energy, but excessive addition weakens overall combustion. The study suggests a practical balance between easier ignition and stable combustion can be achieved.
A new study by Cal Poly faculty found that building density, not urban trees, was the strongest predictor of home loss in Los Angeles firestorms. The study examined 15,082 structures and 52,893 tree canopies within the Eaton and Palisades fire scars.
The EU's plans for domestic production of fossil-free aviation fuels risk steering development towards more expensive and energy-intensive pathways. A study from Chalmers University of Technology found that the current regulatory framework favours combustion-based alternatives over gasification, leading to increased costs and energy use.
The new facility enables scientists to observe and measure detonation forces in unprecedented detail, shedding light on industrial safety risks and potential breakthroughs. Researchers aim to develop safer designs and protocols by examining detonation disasters like the Buncefield Fire.
Researchers developed a pilot-ignition reactivity-stratification combustion strategy for ammonia-fueled compression ignition engines, achieving high ammonia energy fraction while maintaining efficient combustion and reduced emissions. The study found that optimizing diesel injection timing and pre-injection diesel mass can significantl...
Researchers have developed a new method for cleaning oil spills using massive fire whirls, which can burn through crude oil nearly twice as fast as in-situ fire pools. The results show that fire whirls produce 40% less soot and consume up to 95% of the fuel, leaving fewer harmful particles behind.
Researchers tested large-scale roofing assemblies with mounted PV solar panels, exposing the leading edge to flame and crosswind to understand fire hazards. The study aims to update building codes and fire mitigation protocols for commercial and industrial solar panel installations.
Researchers at SwRI have developed a reliable testing methodology to study stochastic pre-ignition in hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines. The methodology provides insight into lubricant-initiated pre-ignition events and supports further work on mitigation strategies and commercial lubricants.
The upgraded engine features a state-of-the-art turbocharger, increasing peak torque from 1,494 to 1,760-foot pounds and peak power from 370 to 440 horsepower. The engine's peak efficiency has also improved to 44.0%, class-leading for a spark-ignited engine.
Dr. Chris Thomas recognized for technical excellence and leadership in combustion technologies, including propulsion systems and battery safety. His research has led to significant contributions to the field of blast physics and lithium-ion battery safety.
A new study reveals that Veterans are disproportionately using all commercial tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and smokeless tobacco. The study found that Veterans had a higher risk for former and current tobacco use, as well as multiple product use, posing significant health risks.
A multidisciplinary team led by Natasha Vermaak investigates developing structural materials resistant to high-frequency thermomechanical loads for rotating detonation engines. The project aims to address the lack of established materials solutions for extreme thermomechanical loadings, enabling advancements in propulsion systems.
Researchers are developing a detection system to identify pre-ignitions in hydrogen internal combustion engines (H2-ICE) using machine learning algorithms and onboard sensors. The project aims to address the challenges associated with H2-ICE pre-ignition, which can degrade engine performance and compromise its mechanical integrity.
A new AI system developed by NYU Tandon researchers can detect fires in real-time using standard security cameras, providing crucial minutes for evacuation and emergency response. The system achieves notable accuracy rates, with the best-performing model combination reaching 80.6% detection accuracy.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed new monitoring techniques to measure wood stove emissions, revealing that 70% of pollution occurs during startup and reloading. Automated technologies injecting primary and secondary air show a 95% reduction in particulate matter emissions, potentially limiting PM2.5 pollution by 95%.
A long-term study from Saxony shows a significant decrease in air pollution in Eastern Europe, with PM1 concentrations falling by 28% per year. The study's findings indicate improved air quality due to clean energy measures and lower emissions from transportation.
A Lehigh University team developed a novel machine learning method to predict abnormal grain growth in materials, enabling the creation of stronger, more reliable materials. The model successfully predicted abnormal grain growth in 86% of cases, with predictions made up to 20% of the material's lifetime.
A recent study of 249,190 individuals found a significant link between exclusive e-cigarette use and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypertension in adults aged 30-70. In contrast, traditional combustible cigarette smoking was associated with increased risks for various cardiometabolic diseases.
A new study published in The Journals of Gerontology: Series A found that long-term exposure to high levels of air pollution is associated with lower scores in key cognitive abilities, especially language skills. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide and fine particulate matter was linked to poorer language performance.
Researchers have developed a new sensor to detect hazardous gas leaks in lithium-ion batteries, which could prevent catastrophic failures and enhance the reliability of battery-powered technologies. The sensor detects trace amounts of ethylene carbonate vapour, targeting potential battery failures before they escalate into disasters.
A recent study led by Emily Hackworth and colleagues found that youth with internalizing mental health symptoms are more likely to turn to nicotine products. The analysis showed a strong association between non-combustible product use, including e-cigarettes, and poor mental health among adolescents.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota discovered a new method to selectively burn one molecule in a mixture of hydrocarbons using a bismuth oxide catalyst. This process, called chemical looping combustion, could help remove pollutants and improve industrial processes with high energy efficiency.
A study published in Nature Communications shows that widespread wildfires were frequent about every 10-20 years in many areas, but severe fires have increased due to natural fire cycles being disrupted. The data suggests that the prevalence of non-fire years has led to denser forests and hotter, more destructive wildfires.
A new study reveals the extreme vulnerability of young volcanic soils to wildfires in the Arequipa shrublands of Peru. The research found that vegetation and soil combustion, combined with post-fire erosion, have caused a severe loss of soil organic carbon, hindering ecosystem recovery.
The U.S. Naval Research Laboratory's four PECASE recipients made groundbreaking contributions to next-generation energy storage and solid fuel combustion, expanding the nation's energy density portable energy storage capabilities and optimizing propulsion systems.
Combustion-related isoprene emissions from outdoor biomass burning and residential fuel use contribute substantially to the formation of wintertime secondary organic aerosols. The study found that combustion-derived isoprene accounts for 25-40% of winter SOA in northern regions.
A UCF researcher is working with PACCAR to create a hydrogen-based combustion engine for heavy-duty vehicles, aiming to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions. The project aims to develop a cleaner alternative to diesel fuel, which is currently the dominant choice for commercial vehicles.
The Flexible Clean Propulsion Technologies project aims to develop innovative clean solutions for maritime transport and off-road machinery, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 100% through the use of zero- and low-carbon fuels. The consortium brings together key players in Finland and international partners to shape the future ...
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg studied how bubbles form in a drop of biodiesel using femtosecond lasers. The findings aim to improve engine efficiency, reduce emissions, and increase fuel combustion. Understanding bubble formation is crucial for developing more efficient biofuel motors.
The implementation of China's National Action Plan on Air Pollution Prevention and Control resulted in decreased mean daily fine particulate matter (PM2.5) levels between 2013 and 2017. The associated acute health effects on total and circulatory mortality significantly decreased, with a reduced exposure-response relationship observed ...
A nationally representative survey reveals a shift in tobacco use among young adults, with historically low cigarette use and higher e-cigarette use. Exclusive e-cigarette users are unlikely to transition to combustible tobacco.
E-cigarette use persisted among young adults aged 18-24, with 71.5% of those who used e-cigarettes never having used combustible cigarettes. This finding highlights the need for targeted public health policies.
Scientists at the University of California - Riverside have developed a fire-safe fuel that cannot ignite without an external electrical current. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the risk of wildfires and improve energy efficiency.
Researchers at Cornell University have created an insect-scale quadrupedal robot powered by combustion that can outrace, outlift, and outflex its electric-driven counterparts. The robot's actuators produce 9.5 newtons of force and operate at frequencies greater than 100 hertz.
Research reveals e-cigarettes carry potential health risks, including increased blood pressure and heart rate. Long-term studies are needed to fully understand the effects of e-cigarette use on the heart and lungs.
Researchers from Chalmers University of Technology have developed a high-frequency radar technique to measure the flow of solids in fluidized beds with unrivalled precision. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient processes in energy conversion, carbon capture, and other industries.
Researchers found improved cookstoves produce twice as many harmful ultrafine air pollution particles (PM0.1) as conventional stoves. Despite reducing fine particles by up to 65%, they increase ultrafine particle emission.
A new study found that air pollution from the oil and gas sector has substantial adverse impacts on air quality and human health, resulting in 7,500 excess deaths, 410,000 asthma attacks, and $77 billion in annual health costs. The pollutants nitrogen oxide, fine particulate matter, and ozone from U.S. oil and gas production were respo...
A study by University of Gothenburg found that conifer trees are generally better at purifying air from gaseous pollutants, while broadleaved trees excel at capturing particle-bound pollution. The researchers analyzed leaves and needles from eleven different tree species to determine which ones absorb air pollutants most effectively.
A USTC research team has developed a gentle synthesis method for alkyl peroxides and measured their photoionization cross-sections, enabling accurate quantitative analysis of chain-branching intermediates in low-temperature combustion. The findings improve the kinetic model and provide a foundation for future optimization.
Researchers at Rutgers University found that disposable e-cigarettes were more likely sold in specialized stores, while nicotine pouches were available in convenience stores and areas with non-Hispanic white residents. The study suggests that these products are targeted to different audiences and informs potential policy actions.
Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have found that jet engine lubrication oils are a significant source of ultrafine particles. These tiny particles can penetrate deep into the lungs and trigger inflammatory reactions, potentially contributing to cardiovascular diseases.
The researchers investigated the ignition of methane-air mixtures using a detailed reaction kinetics model. They identified five domains with different sets of chemical reactions leading to methane ignition. This knowledge can help increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact in heating and power generation.
Research suggests that most dual smokers and vapers will continue smoking or vaping over time. The study found that vaping didn't contribute to substantial smoking cessation at the population level, emphasizing the need to help dual users ditch both products.
Researchers at Rutgers University simulated climate change's impact on allergenic pollens, finding significant increases in airborne pollen loads by 2050. The study predicts earlier start times and longer durations for pollen seasons across the US, with notable regional shifts.
A study published in Tobacco Control found that alternatives to menthol cigarettes pose significant addiction and health risks. Mentholated pipe tobacco and tubes were the most appealing and addictive options, suggesting they should be included in the proposed ban.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have identified promising new biofuels that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 60% while improving fuel efficiency or reducing tailpipe emissions. The biofuels, developed using advanced engine design, can be blended with conventional fuels to improve engine performance and meet more ...
Recent research on Regime I fires, also known as window-ejected fire plumes, has focused on understanding the physical processes and mechanisms of these events. The study's authors review various external boundary and ambient conditions that affect window-ejected fire plume dynamics and propose further areas of investigation.
Researchers at KAUST developed an inverse mixture-design approach using machine learning to create high-performance transport fuels. The model accurately predicted fuel properties and identified suitable blends, offering a promising solution to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A recent study published at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions 2022 found that pod-based e-cigarette users experienced changes in blood vessel health comparable to traditional cigarette smokers. The research, which included 106 young adults without cardiovascular disease, measured vascular function, blood pressure, an...
Two studies found that cigarette smoke and e-cigarette vapor have similar cardiovascular effects due to airway irritation. This irritation can lead to vascular damage and impaired blood vessel function. The research suggests that dual product use may be worse than single product use, highlighting the need for stricter regulations.
The researchers used a new technique to capture the first cross-sectional images of carbon dioxide in the exhaust plume of a commercial jet engine. The images show a ring-structure of high carbon dioxide concentration and a raised region in the middle of the plume.
Researchers developed a Flashover Prediction Neural Network (FlashNet) model to forecast deadly fire events, beating other AI-based tools with up to 92.1% accuracy across various building floorplans. The model's performance improved when given real-world data, highlighting its potential for saving firefighter lives.
Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel method to measure oxygen concentration in high-temperature environments without physical contact. The method uses a phosphorescent material that varies its phosphorescence depending on the surrounding oxygen concentration.
Climate-related events and air pollution disproportionately affect socially and economically disadvantaged children, exacerbating health issues such as preterm birth, respiratory illness, and malnutrition. The authors emphasize the need for simultaneous adaptation and mitigation strategies to protect children's health.
A University of Central Florida researcher has been awarded $800,000 by the US Department of Energy to investigate elusive chemical compounds known as Criegee intermediates. The research aims to develop more efficient low emission fuel architectures and engine technologies to reduce combustion's impact on the environment.
Researchers at KAUST developed a new exhaust catalyst concept that can effectively remove NOx from vehicle emissions, resolving an ongoing debate over additive atoms in the catalyst mix. The team identified the ideal atomic recipe to catalytically remove NOx from diesel car tailpipes.
A new Stanford University study reveals that US power plants generating electricity for export account for approximately 700 premature deaths in 2019. The majority of these health damages occur within the states where the power is both generated and used, but large discrepancies exist across regions.
Researchers found rocket exhaust gases can remain high in altitude, producing thermal nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide that can affect the Earth's climate. The team modeled fluid dynamics of rocket exhaust gases to understand the impact on atmospheric pollution.