Events Calendar

Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Seminar Series

Speaker: Margaret S. Wooldridge, Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, Departments of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan

Talk Title: Flavor Matters: The Compositional Effects of Fuels

Series: Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Seminar Series

Abstract: Efficient and clean energy remains a global challenge. Recent efforts focus on new fuel feed stocks, new methods to power the transportation and stationary power sectors, and improving efficiencies of power systems. Professor Wooldridge’s research includes improving combustion efficiencies and minimizing air toxic emissions through low temperature, high compression ratio methods; enabling the successful integration of biofuels into the ground and air transportation infrastructure; and controlling particle formation and growth in combustion systems to engineer advanced materials and minimize soot emissions.
At the University of Michigan (UM), the Wooldridge research group has developed unique strategies to experimentally interrogate complex chemically reacting systems and to provide quantitative understanding of the fundamental mechanisms limiting energy solutions. This presentation will present recent results on the fundamental autoignition properties of different fuels and the implication on combustion performance. Although combustion chemistry has been studied extensively at high-temperatures, there are few quantitative data available at conditions directly relevant to advanced modes of engine operation, such as low temperature, highly dilute, boosted engines or turbines fired on syn-gas (H2, CO, etc.) mixtures. The UM rapid compression facility (RCF) is a unique device designed to isolate combustion chemistry at conditions directly relevant to advanced energy concepts. Results from the UM RCF have revealed new understanding of fuel chemistry and ignition behavior. The results highlight where our fundamental understanding is strong as well as the complexities and synergies of fuel blends. The fundamental ignition chemistry studies are complemented by internal combustion engine studies. Advanced engine operating modes produce lower emissions and higher indicated thermal efficiencies. Traditional and non-traditional fuel blends can augment or suppress the advantages of advanced engine operating modes. Time permitting, results from optically accessible research engines on ignition and combustion phenomena comparing reference gasoline and ethanol fuels will also be presented.

Biography: Professor Margaret Wooldridge is an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor in the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She received her Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from Stanford University in 1995; her M.S.M.E. in 1991 from S.U. and her B.S. M.E. degree from the University of Illinois at Champagne/Urbana in 1989. Prof. Wooldridge’s research program spans diverse areas where high temperature chemically reacting systems are critical, including power and propulsion systems, fuel chemistry, and synthesis methods for advanced nanostructured materials. She is a 2013 recipient of the Department of Energy Ernest Orlando Lawrence Award for exceptional contributions to the DOE mission to advance national, economic, and energy security of the U.S. She is a fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and the recipient of numerous honors including the ASME George Westinghouse Silver Medal, ASME Pi Tau Sigma Gold Medal, an NSF Career Award, and the SAE Ralph R. Teetor Educator Award. Professor Wooldridge is the past Director of the Automotive Engineering Program at the University of Michigan and past co-director of the Global Automotive and Manufacturing Program.

Host: Paul Ronney

Location: Seaver Science Library (SSL) - 150

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: Valerie Childress