Application of Laser-Induced Fluorescence Technique in Internal Combustion Engine Investigations

Abstract

Laser diagnostic techniques have evolved as a pioneering tool for understanding the combustion and fluid dynamics in internal combustion (IC) engines. These are non-intrusive techniques, which provide fundamental insights about the in-cylinder processes such as spray characteristics, fuel-air mixing, combustion, pollutant formation, etc. without affecting/altering the underlying physics. This chapter is based on one such laser diagnostic technique namely ‘laser-induced fluorescence (LIF)’, which is capable of imaging the temperature-field and in situ species concentration during combustion. This chapter discusses a brief overview of optical diagnostics techniques, fundamentals of LIF, design, and development, current status and future trends for the application of this technology in IC engine research. This chapter also includes a comprehensive literature review of the applications of LIF in combustion investigations with a special emphasis on IC engines. Several examples and case studies have also been included in this chapter for a better understanding.KeywordsLaser-induced fluorescenceOptical diagnosticsIC enginesEquivalence ratioEmission formation