Optical diesel rapid compression machine

The principle role of the optical Proteus is to improve the fundamental understanding of the fuel spray formation, combustion and emissions formation processes by experimental measurement. The characteristics of differing injector types and fuelling strategies within a representative pressure and temperature environment can be analysed.

Its two-stroke, closed-loop scavenge reciprocating motion ensures that fuel spray and combustion products are effectively purged from the optical chamber during skip fired and motored operation. This effectively allows extensive studies to be carried out without the need to purge and re-prime the charge-limiting factors in a conventional 'combustion bomb' operation.

Proteus 2

Ultra speed microscopic imaging

The optical Proteus is equipped with 2000 bar common-rail fuel injection equipment, and can be operated for extended periods of time at in-cylinder pressures in excess of 120 bar.

Experimental investigations include ultra-high speed microscopic imaging of sprays, photography, shadowgraphy, schlieren video, PDA, high-speed video and laser induced incandescence (LII) of soot particles and laser induced fluorescence (LIF).

Proteus rig