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Robert Pitz

Professor of Mechanical Engineering


Mechanical Engineering


Intellectual Neighborhoods

Research Focus

Laser diagnostics, laminar & turbulent combustion, turbulence-chemistry interaction, pollutant formation, supersonic combustion, gas turbine combustion, rocket propulsion, Raman scattering, laser-induced fluorescence, molecular-tagging velocimetry.

Current Projects

Laser Diagnostics of Combustion Laboratory 
Professor R. W. Pitz 
Using advanced laser diagnostics, chemical reactions and pollutant generation are studied in flames that simulate combustion in gas turbines, direct injection spark ignition engines, and natural gas appliances. Chemical species and temperature are measured in laminar and turbulent flames with laser-induced Raman scattering and fluorescence. The velocity flow fields are determined with advanced molecular methods such as hydroxyl tagging velocimetry. The laser measurements are combined with computer simulations to determine the effect of aerodynamics on combustion chemistry and mixing. New laser methods are developed for imaging of chemical species, fluid mixing, and fluid velocity. Extensive experimental facilities are available including burners (laminar, turbulent), electronic cameras, lasers (excimer, dye, YAG), computers, and spectrometers.


Publications