Fall 2003

ME432 Introduction to Combustion
Introduction to combustion process; combustion thermodynamics, reaction kinetics and combustion transport. Chain reaction, ignition, quenching and flammability limits, detonations, deflagrations and flame stability. Introduction to turbulent premixed combustion. Applications in IC engines, furnaces, gas turbines and rocket engines.

Winter 2004

ME599 Practical Spectroscopy
This is an introductory to intermediate graduate-level course intended to provide a practical understanding of spectroscopy for engineering applications. Spectroscopy is the interaction of light with matter. As such, spectroscopy is the basic principle behind many engineering diagnostic methods used in research laboratories and industry. The primary objective of the course is to teach the background theory necessary for basic application and interpretation of optical diagnostics, particularly for interrogation of flow properties such as species concentrations, pressure, temperature, velocity and particle loadings (i.e. particle number densities), for example.

Fall 2006

ME499 Advanced Energy Solutions
This course provides an introduction to the challenges of power generation for a global society. The course starts with an overview of the current and future demands for energy, the various methods of power generation including solar, thermal, wind, nuclear and fossil fuel, and the detrimental byproducts associated with these methods. Advanced strategies to improve power densities, reduce pollutant emissions and improve thermal efficiencies, such as fuel cells for stationary and mobile power generation; synthetic and bio-renewable fuels; and reconfiguring coal-fired power plants to utilize integrated-gasification combined cycle approaches are the primary focus of the second half of the course. The material includes the advantages and technical difficulties associated with a hydrogen economy including production, transport, storage and application. The emphasis is on the application of thermodynamic analysis to understand the basic operating principles and the inherent limitations of the technologies considered.