Low Temperature Combustion

Combustion is the heart and control within Internal Combustion Engines.  This course not only provides learners with background knowledge and motivation behind low temperature combustion research, it also yields an in depth look at methodologies/approaches in various combustion configurations.  Upon completion of this course, learners will:

• Be able to answer the question, ‘Why Lean Burn?’
• Have a foundation in Stratified Charge Combustion in Gas Direct Injection (GDI), Direct Injection Spark Ignited (DISI), Spark Ignited Direct Injection (SIDI) and Stratified Charged (SC) engines.
• Be able to describe Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) through visual and conceptual techniques.
• Understand HCCI implementation methodologies in gas engines.
• Be armed with knowledge of benefits and challenges that impact HCCI.
• Gain a basis for combustion burn rate behavior, disparities between combustion configurations and operational expansion opportunities from low temperature combustion.

Ultimately, this course will arm learners with critical knowledge of low temperature combustion concepts for both various combustion configuration in internal combustion engines.

Those wanting to gain deeper knowledge on low temperature combustion opportunities and effects in various combustion configurations within internal combustion engines. Learners seeking a new perspective and deeper look at combustion characteristics and the impacts of low temperature combustion on future engine design.  The content in this intermediate course appeals to emissions engineers, engineering students, ICE enthusiasts, ICE researchers and management responsible for overall engine design.

Module 1 – Why Burn Lean?

Module 2 – Lean Flame Behavior

Module 3 – Stratified Charge Combustion

Module 4  – Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI): Conceptualization

Module 5 – HCCI: Benefits and Operational Sensitivities

Module 6  – HCCI: Operational Challenges

Module 7 – Spark Assisted Compression Ignition (SACI): Conceptualization

Module 8 – SACI: Operational Range Expansion

Mark Hoffman

Mark Hoffman, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Auburn University where he specializes in advanced powertrain systems. Dr. Hoffman has eighteen years of expertise in kinetically controlled combustion, multi-fuel combustion, in-cylinder heat transfer, thermal barrier coatings, catalytic emission systems, particulate emissions characterization, waste heat recovery, and fuel-efficient vehicle platooning. Hoffman currently leads the Federal Transit Administration’s low emission transit bus testing program at Auburn University, which assesses novel components in transit buses for their ability to reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from the transit vehicle fleet. Prior to his employment with Auburn, Dr. Hoffman was a research assistant professor at Clemson University’s Department of Automotive Engineering where he also served as founding director for Clemson’s Automotive Engineering Certificate program. Hoffman has authored more than fifty refereed publications, and received the Forest R. McFarland award from the Society of Automotive Engineers. Dr. Hoffman received his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Union College and both his M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Michigan.