Researchers at Michigan Technical University (MTU) have created a combustion vessel to study engine technologies operating on an expanding set of alternative fuels with reduced emissions and increased efficiency.

This work will help to increase energy savings in automobiles by improving engine technologies that operate on an expanding set of alternative fuels, with reduced emissions and increased efficiency.

The development and use of the combustion vessel provides the capacity for research and education to a wide range of users. Jeffrey Naber and a team of MTU researchers, graduate and undergraduate students study critical aspects of ignition, sprays and combustion at temperatures, pressures and conditions that are found in the cylinder of internal combustion engines, leading to better fuel efficiencies in future automobiles.

In addition, the lab is regularly used for outreach activities including summer youth and women in engineering programs. Research is supported by NSF and conducted in collaboration with Sandia National Laboratory and their established Engine Combustion Network. Funding for the research is also provided by Ford Motor Company, General Motors and the U.S. Department of Energy.