Intake Air Treatment for Use in s Traditional Diesel Engine and Optical Engine

Leslie Lacek* and Chris Ulishney, Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV 26505

Field (Broad Category): Engineering (Physical Sciences & Engineering) 

Student’s Major: Mechanical Engineering 

Engines can be found in all sorts of different laboratories for various purposes. One thing they all have in common is the set up for the engines for them to operate properly. This is especially true for diesel and optical engines, which require a bit more equipment for their intake systems. Optical engines are used to aid in visualizing and studying engine combustion and cycles. My research group is currently creating an intake system for both a diesel and an optical engine. For the optical engine, a compressor is used due to the need for extra compression in the cylinder for the engine to operate similarly to a production engine. If the pressure is anything less than atmospheric pressure, the sapphire plate within the optical access will dislodge from the seat. The filters are responsible for ensuring the air in the system is clean and dry for emission measurements. Any contaminants in the air can cause a loss in power. After my group successfully creates a proper intake system for the engines, the next goal is to fuel these engines with various natural gas mixtures and measure the torque and power output of them. 

Funding: 

Program/mechanism supporting research/creative efforts: WVU's Research Apprenticeship Program (RAP) & accompanying HONR 297-level course