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Extract from a common kitchen spice could be key to greener, more efficient fuel cells

Researchers at Clemson University and SSSIHL discovered a novel way to combine curcumin and gold nanoparticles to create an electrode that efficiently converts ethanol into electricity. The discovery brings replacing hydrogen as a fuel cell feedstock one step closer, with potential applications in sensors and supercapacitors.

SourceClemson University·JournalNano Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2022

Korea Maritime & Ocean University researchers champion LPG as a green alternative ship fuel

Researchers from Korea Maritime & Ocean University found that using LPG as a marine fuel can reduce annual fuel consumption by 7.5-10.4%, fuel cost by 8.8-25.9%, and carbon dioxide emissions by 10-14%. The study also highlights the potential for promoting LPG as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional fuels.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 11, 2022

New tool can detect a precursor of engine-destroying combustion instability

A team of scientists from Tokyo University of Science has developed a machine learning-based tool to predict thermoacoustic oscillations in engines. The tool uses dynamical systems theory and can classify combustion into three states, identifying pressure fluctuations that indicate future combustion oscillations.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAIAA Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2021

A computationally quick approach to predict molten droplet solidification on a solid surface

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a computationally quick approach to predict molten droplet solidification on a solid surface. The model simulates the solidification process by considering the droplet behavior and heat transfer between the hotter droplet and cooler surface, replicating experiments with high accuracy.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalInternational Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 12, 2021

Blowing up medieval gunpowder recipes

The study of medieval gunpowder recipes reveals that the evolution of the perfect powder was a slow trial-and-error process. Researchers analyzed energies released during combustion and found that certain additives made gunpowder stronger, while others had no energetic advantages but might have served other purposes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateSep 22, 2021

Finding the cause of a fatal problem in rocket engine combustors

Researchers found significant periodic flow velocity fluctuations in fuel injector ignite combustion oscillations, leading to high mechanical stress on the combustion chamber. The findings provide a reasonable answer for why these oscillations occur and have significant implications for preventing fatal damage in critical engines.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2021

Active platinum species

Researchers investigated individual platinum atoms and small clusters on special zeolite supports, finding they are significantly more active than larger clusters in splitting oxygen. Platinum clusters also dominate CO oxidation, while individual atoms enable efficient methane combustion.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 10, 2021

Robust and ultralow-energy-threshold ignition of lean fuels by an ultrashort-pulsed laser

Researchers successfully ignite lean methane/air mixtures using intense fs-lasers, achieving a 100% ignition success rate with sub-mJ energy. The approach has general applicability to complex combustion conditions and provides possibilities for ultrafast physical/chemical processes investigation.

Oxidation processes in combustion engines and in the atmosphere take the same routes

A research team at TROPOS and University of Helsinki has discovered that alkanes in fuels produce highly oxygenated compounds that can form organic aerosol and contribute to air pollution. The study uses state-of-the-art measurement technology to demonstrate an efficient autoxidation chain reaction for saturated hydrocarbons.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateFeb 23, 2021

New engine capability accelerates advanced vehicle research

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have accelerated a research engine that provides an unprecedented view inside the atomic-level workings of combustion engines in real time. The engine, built to run on a neutron beam line, allows investigation of structural changes in new alloys designed for high-temperature, advanced combus...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2020

Researchers combine X-rays and laser light to image sprays

A new laser-based method combines X-rays and laser-induced fluorescence to observe and quantify atomizing spray phenomena, providing details on the sprayed liquid's form and distribution. The technique can detect smaller amounts of liquid than previously detected with x-rays and has the potential to study sprays in real-time.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJan 30, 2020

Combustion behavior of aromatics may provide keys to enhancing heavy oil extraction

Researchers at Kazan University's In-Situ Combustion Lab have studied the combustion behavior of aromatic compounds and their impact on heavy oil extraction. The study found that certain aromatic compounds can promote high-temperature oxidation and inhibit low-temperature oxidation, leading to more efficient extraction methods.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry·DateOct 3, 2019

What's in the air? There's more to it than we thought

Scientists have discovered that organic aerosols in the atmosphere are more varied and complex than previously thought. Analyzing air samples from forests and urban environments, researchers found that up to 70% of compounds changed over consecutive samples, highlighting the need for improved air pollution control policies.

SourceYale University·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateNov 2, 2018

The view from inside supersonic combustion

Researchers used numerical modeling to study the dynamics of supersonic flow, revealing two induced combustion modes and a local quasi detonation mode due to incident shock waves. The simulations provide valuable insights for scramjet engine design, enabling the optimization of mixing and combustion processes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 15, 2018

Painting a clear picture of how nitrogen oxides are formed

A team of researchers from the US Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory has developed a comprehensive model for nitrogen oxide formation in combustion. The study reveals that temperature and fuel mixture richness significantly impact NOx production, providing valuable insights for engine companies seeking to reduce emissions.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalProgress in Energy and Combustion Science·DateMar 12, 2018

Turbocharging engine design

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory used the Mira supercomputer to simulate over 2,000 engine design combinations, reducing design time from months to weeks. The simulations identified two optimized fuel-engine concepts that can improve fuel efficiency substantially.

Lasers measure jet disintegration

A team of researchers applied spectroscopic diagnostics to study sub- and supercritical jet disintegration, revealing trends important for improving jet propulsion systems. The Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) technique provided quantitative density data, offering new insights into fluid behavior.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 18, 2017