Multi-Phase Combustion Enhanced by Plasma
NRL seeks researchers to experimentally study plasma-enhanced combustion using laser diagnostics to measure species, temperature, and flow parameters in gas and spray systems.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025 | February 1, 2026
Funding Amounts: $99,200 stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; typical tenure 2-3 years.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral research on plasma-enhanced combustion at the Naval Research Laboratory using advanced laser diagnostics and experimental platforms.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents with a Ph.D.; requires contacting Research Adviser prior to application.
Description
This fellowship opportunity at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) focuses on experimental research into gas-phase and multi-phase reacting flows enhanced by plasma discharges. The goal is to deepen understanding of the physics and chemistry underlying plasma-assisted combustion. Researchers will perform detailed experimental measurements of species distributions, temperatures, electron densities, and flow parameters using advanced laser diagnostics and optical techniques.
Key measurement techniques include:
- Planar-laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) for mapping species distributions
- Phase Doppler anemometry (PDA) for droplet size and velocity measurements
- Optical emissions spectroscopy (OES) for temperature and electron number density
- Schlieren imaging to visualize density gradients
- Filtered chemiluminescence imaging to quantify heat release rates
The NRL laboratories are well-equipped with multiple lasers, spectrographs, CCD cameras, and supporting optics. Experimental platforms include a gas-phase flow tube, a nonreacting spray nozzle, and a piloted spray burner. Candidates should have expertise in combustion, laser diagnostics, and/or nonequilibrium plasmas such as nanosecond pulse repetitive discharges (NRPD).
More information about ongoing research in the Combustion & Reacting Transport section (Code 6185) at NRL can be found here:
https://www.nrl.navy.mil/chemistry/research/6180/6185
