Recent advances in shock tube/laser diagnostic methods for improved chemical kinetics measurements

Shock tubes combined with laser diagnostics provide state-of-the-art capabilities for studying the chemical kinetics of combustion processes. We report here several new concepts and methods designed to improve shock tube performance and modeling, extend shock tube operating regimes, provide access to low vapor pressure fuels, and quantitatively measure species time-histories using continuous wave laser absorption. These new methods are discussed in the context of studying ignition processes of hydrocarbon fuels at practical engine conditions; examples of the use of these methods to study the chemical kinetics of real fuels and to resolve current issues related to shock tube facility effects are given.