The experimental investigations concerning the chemical reactions taking place is the foundation for a basic understanding of the combustion of all fuels. Both novel and conventional gaseous and liquid fuels are of particular interest. The focus of activity is on the chemical-kinetically controlled processes in technical combustion systems, such as ignition behavior, heat release, flame speeds, pollutant formation, and the associated reaction pathways and networks. The department has a comprehensive repertoire of experimental protocols for detailed investigation of these processes:
For a better understanding of the reaction chemistry taking place, the relevant sub-processes are mainly examined using controlled model systems. This initially includes the simplification of the fuel composition (pure substances, simple mixtures) and the separation of the physical processes in technical combustion systems (e.g., evaporation, mixing). Based on the experimental results the numerical description of the chemical reactions taking place reaction mechanisms are constructed, tested, validated and a fundamental understanding is developed. These basic reaction models are ultimately applied to technical issues in the fields of energy, transport, aeronautics or space, and are closely interlinked with the activities in the areas of fuel analytics and emissions/immission of pollutants.