Research

Welcome to the Combustion and Flow Research Laboratory (CFRL), located in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences (CEAS) at Western Michigan University. The laboratory is the center for experimental flow and combustion studies with particular emphasis on the automotive field. Some of the most exciting research projects focus on energy conversion devices such as internal combustion engines. A number of ongoing research projects are being conducted in collaboration with faculty from the Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and other departments. Some these collaborative projects are funded through and support the Center for Advanced Vehicle Design and Simulation (CAViDS).

Research projects at the CFRL generally take advantage of advanced laser diagnostics techniques to conduct non-intrusive measurements in the harsh environment typical of combustion devices. The CFRL is equipped with a single-cylinder optical research engine, a high-repetition rate, dual cavity, Nd:YLF laser, as well as high-speed digital cameras to resolve unsteady, rapidly changing flows. Software for equipment synchronization and data processing are also available.

Ongoing CFRL Projects

1. “One-Dimensional Flow Simulation of Induction Air for Diesel Engine Cold-Start.” Funded by L-3 Communications through CAViDS.
2. "Energy Saving Improvements for Industrial Ovens." In collaboration with the Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering. Funded through the GMI Initiative and FRACAA. More information is available at: http://www.wmich.edu/mfe/mrc/greenmanufacturing/index.php

Previous Projects

1. "Stochastic Flow Characterization Using Proper Orthogonal Decomposition." Funded through WMU FRACAA.
2. "Development of an Intelligent Vehicle Health Management System for Light Tactical Vehicles" – Engine Lubricant Monitoring (CBM Project A). In collaboration with MAE and Computer Science Departments and funded through CAViDS.
3. "Development of an Intelligent Vehicle Health Management System for Light Tactical Vehicles." – Engine Diagnostics (CBM Project B). In collaboration with Electrical Engineering and funded through CAViDS.
4. "Measurements of the Exhaust Flow in an Internal Combustion Engine." In collaboration with the Fluid Mechanics laboratory. Funded by Toyota Motor Corporation.
5. "Development of a Gasoline Direct-Injection Engine for Implementation in Western Michigan University’s Formula SAE Vehicle". Funded by Denso North America Foundation.

Additional Research Activities

Faculty supervisor, powertrain group, CAViDS Hybrid Electric Applied Research (CHEAR) Laboratory. More information is available at: http://www.wmich.edu/engineer/cavids/events.php

Available Positions

There are currently no available positions.