Welcome to the Laser Diagnostics Laboratory for Energy and Propulsion Research
We study energy conversion in advanced propulsion and power generation systems with a focus on hypersonic airbreathing propulsion and advanced gas turbines. Additionally, we investigate new power systems based on novel energy conversion pathways including thermal, electrochemical, and catalytic processes and chemistry of alternative jet fuels. Often, the work is based on the application of novel laser and optical diagnostics. We work closely with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Army Research Laboratory (ARL), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Argonne National Laboratory, and Illinois Fire Services Institute (IFSI) to develop both novel diagnostics strategies and apply them in research.
Our research group is:
- The lead academic institution for the UAS Propulsion Center CUP.
- Part of Army Research Laboratory – Central.
- Part of the FAA Center of Excellence – ASCENT (National Jet Fuel Combustion Program)
- Main site for the FAA National Alternative Jet Fuel Database
- Part of the DOE PSAAP Phase II Center: XPACC (Plasma Combustion)
Featured (above image) Ongoing research activity sample in propulsion and energy research. Please check the research tabs for more details.
News
First UAS Propulsion Center Workshop to be held on May 1-2
The first workshop for the CUP Industry-Academia Connection Days (workshop) will be help at the University of Illinois Chicago on May 1-2, 2019. https://www.army.mil/article/219203/
Our group’s gas turbine work selected as top 10 coolest science from ARL in 2018
Our group’s work to image a firing gas turbine using the X-ray facility at Argonne National Laboratory has been selected as one of the top ten coolest science outcomes from the Army Research Laboratory. accompanying article can be found at: https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2018-12/uarl-lrt121718.php
ARL-Central Launches on Youtube
We are an integral part of the new ARL-Central situated in the Chicago area. ARL-Central officially launched in 2018 and will be focused on propulsion and material research for the Army. The new Center for UAS Propulsion will be part of the ARL-Central efforts. The official promotion video for ARL-Central was launched on Youtube.