Automotive, Experimentation, and Combustion Laboratory

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This laboratory features a combustion and propulsion test cell and a 300-hp eddy current dynamometer that can be linked to either an FSAE engine or a DC motor/battery-electric powertrain. A custom-built 10-hp AC dynamometer allows students to research the combustion stability limits of a homogeneous charge compression ignition engine. In this laboratory, students get the chance to disassemble, analyze, and reassemble a series of Briggs & Stratton engines; a small gas turbine engine has also been under development for several years. Fundamental combustion studies are performed in fume hoods to determine the effects of fuel-air flow rate and equivalence ratio on laminar flame speed. A research engine outfitted with a quartz cylinder liner gives students the ability to watch the combustion process of a running engine while taking in-cylinder pressure data in real-time. 

This Automotive Laboratory also has a drop test rig designed for dynamic testing of crush energy absorption for vehicle impact safety design. Because the laboratory has a fume hood and exhaust syphons it is also used from time to time to safely perform certain carbon fiber epoxy composite manufacturing operations. This laboratory is fully equipped with a reconfigurable high-volume exhaust system, stationary fume-hoods, and separated from the main laboratory by an Explosion-proof partition with viewing windows making the space particularly appropriate for combustion experimentation with the added safety of remote monitoring and data acquisition. The main door has an interlock switch to prevent testing while the door is ajar as a further safety measure.

A combustion and propulsion test cell contains a 300-hp eddy current dynamometer linked to either the FSAE engine or a DC motor/battery-electric powertrain.  A custom-built 7-hp AC dynamometer allows students to research the combustion stability limits of a homogeneous charge compression ignition engine.  In this laboratory, students get the chance to disassemble, analyze, and reassemble a series of Briggs & Stratton engines; a small gas turbine engine has also been under development for several years.  Fundamental combustion studies are performed in fume hoods to determine the effects of fuel-air flow rate and equivalence ratio on laminar flame speed.  A research engine outfitted with a quartz cylinder liner gives students the ability to watch the combustion process of a running engine while taking in-cylinder pressure data in real-time.

Staff

Estuardo Rodas
Lab Technician and Project Coordinator, Mechanical Engineering
estuardo.rodas@cooper.edu
Phone: 212-353-4039

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