HGD – Chair of High Pressure Gas Dynamics, Shock Wave Laboratory
Head of the Institute
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Karl Alexander Heufer
Main Focus
Gas Dynamics, Combustion Fundamentals
Research Focus
Gas Dynamics
The HGD is engaged in numerical and experimental investigations of compressible i.e. density-changing flows. For this purpose, a repertoire of different test facilities is available at the HGD. These test facilities generate flow under transonic, supersonic and hypersonic conditions. The test facilities are mostly shock or detonation tubes and generate extreme flow conditions (high Mach number, high enthalpy) for a short period of time 4-10 ms.
Combustion Fundamentals
The combustion chemistry research at the Chair of High Pressure Gasdynamics (HGD) emerged from the Junior-Professorship “Physico-Chemical Fundamentals of Combustion” of Prof. Heufer and aims at understanding the combustion of conventional and alternative fuels on a fundamental level. This understanding is facilitated by a holistic modeling and experimental approach, including quantum chemical calculations, detailed chemical kinetic modeling, ignition delay time measurements in shock tube and rapid compression machine facilities, and advanced diagnostics using gas chromatography / mass spectrometry and infrared laser absorption measurements. The combustion models which are developed and validated at the HGD aid the design and optimization of novel engine concepts.
Contact
HGD – Chair of High Pressure Gas Dynamics
Shock Wave Laboratory
Schurzelterstr. 35
52074 Aachen
Phone: +49 241 80-24605