Measurement of Laminar Flame Speed of Low-Carbon Fuels Using Schlieren Technique

The transition to low-carbon fuels is a critical pathway in achieving global climate targets and reducing the carbon footprint of combustion-based energy systems. Accurate measurement of laminar flame speed is essential for understanding fuel combustion behavior and for validating combustion models used in the design of efficient, clean engines.

This project aims to experimentally investigate the laminar burning characteristics of low-carbon alternative fuels, such as ethanol, methanol, and their blends with gasoline. These fuels are considered promising due to their high oxygen content, potential for renewable production, and cleaner burning properties compared to conventional fossil fuels.

The primary experimental tool in this research will be the Schlieren imaging technique, a high-sensitivity optical method capable of visualizing changes in gas density and capturing flame front propagation. The Schlieren setup will be used in conjunction with a constant-volume combustion chamber to capture high-speed images of the flame development under various initial conditions.

The project objectives include:

• Designing and calibrating the Schlieren imaging system for laminar flame speed measurements.
• Measuring flame speeds of selected low-carbon fuels at different equivalence ratios and initial pressures/temperatures.
• Analyzing the effect of fuel composition on flame propagation and stability.
• Comparing experimental data with existing literature and available chemical kinetic models.

This project will provide valuable experimental data for under-represented fuel blends in the literature and contribute to the development of accurate models for modern combustion systems. The findings will be of interest to the automotive, aerospace, and energy sectors working toward decarbonization through cleaner combustion technologies.

Students involved in this project will gain hands-on experience in advanced optical diagnostics, combustion science, data acquisition, and analysis, as well as scientific reporting and presentation skills.