While I was studying in Shanghai, I found myself with copious free time. I take one online class and one traditional class on campus, so most of my time here was originally unplanned. Due to this, early on our arrival to this new campus, I sought out new challenges and opportunities. I came across a flier looking for a research intern at the Automobile laboratory on campus. I quickly decided to email the doctor in charge and got accepted. The position was very relaxed and intended for my learning benefit. The research that I participated in was mostly based in the laser diagnostics field. Much of emphasis was placed on understanding the fluid motion of fuel spray in different environments and the soot formation under different conditions/fuels using many different laser techniques. The main technique I researched was laser-induced incandescence, although I also studied image scattering and light extinction. The research I did was towards a larger goal of understanding the fuel injection process and how to make it better and cleaner. Most of my time at the research laboratory can be categorized into two departments.
This is the optical engine that was used for the laser diagnostic experiments.
The first can be summarized as reading ample research papers on different laser techniques to measure soot formation. Soot is a pollutant because it is a byproduct of an incomplete combustion. Droplet size diameter (from the fuel injector) is a precursor for understanding soot volume fraction. I was tasked with finding research papers relating to a specific process and creating a table of the information provided and summarize the overall work. The first summary report I made involved optical engines and using different laser techniques to measure the soot formed inside. The second involved an optical pressure chamber where different pressures (typically in the magnitudes of megapascals) were used for ambient air and fuel was then injected in. Using lasers, it is possible to measure the droplet size in a non-combusting process, and also the soot formed in a combusting process. Soot volume fraction and droplet diameter are key concepts when understanding the overall fuel combustion process.
This is one of the laser setups that I worked with.
The second category can be summarized as simply observing the laser diagnostic techniques in person, and understanding the difficulties associated with lasers. I was able to witness a laser being taken apart and adjusted to change a key component of the beam. I also observed how the research process ensues and how often unexpected difficulties come up. I was able to watch a few other experiments in the laser diagnostic field. The main thing I took away from the observational aspect of my position was the understanding of truly how long it takes to set up an experiment and the tremendous care involved.
I went on a backpacking trip with only Chinese speakers.
Overall, I had a tremendous experience here and learned a lot about engines, fluid dynamics, lasers, pollution, and research in general. This has been just another amazing addition to my time abroad.
During my free time, I tutored some young Chinese children in English.
Want more? Here is a report I wrote on soot diagnostic techniques.
Samuel Belliel's Portfolio 