Advanced Combustion Concepts for Emerging Propulsion and Power Systems
This grant supports research into advanced combustion technologies for efficient, high-power propulsion and power systems, including small engines and alternative fuels.
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 (Next deadline)
Funding Amounts: Base stipend approximately $95,000 plus $5,000 travel allowance; supplements based on experience; typical award duration 2-3 years.
Summary: Supports postdoctoral and senior researchers conducting advanced combustion research for efficient, high-power small-scale propulsion and power systems, including alternative fuels.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens; requires contacting a Research Adviser prior to applying; relocation and health insurance benefits included.
Description
This fellowship opportunity supports research into advanced combustion concepts aimed at emerging propulsion and power systems, particularly focusing on small-scale systems ranging from hundreds of watts to hundreds of kilowatts. The research targets higher efficiencies and power densities in combustion systems, including:
- Optimization of small-scale unmanned air vehicle propulsion and power systems.
- Conversion of Otto cycle (spark ignition) engines to heavy fuels.
- Development of advanced ignition systems and propeller/engine optimization.
- Enabling components and engine concepts for high power density systems.
- Small-scale demonstrations of advanced turbine concepts and innovative cycles.
- Exploration of hybrid systems, high power density diesels, regenerative, and novel internal/external combustion cycles.
- Use of alternative and biofuels in engine combustion research.
Research is conducted at the Small Engine Research Laboratory, which offers state-of-the-art facilities such as high-speed instrumentation (up to 5 MHz per channel), ultra-high-speed imaging (up to 1,000,000 fps), laser diagnostics, computational tools, and research engines. Recent projects have included plasma ignition studies and alternative fuel combustion.
The fellowship is hosted at the Aerospace Systems Directorate, RQ/Turbine Engine Division, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.
