Combustion lab does research with a bang

The combustion engine transformed the world, literally driving it into the 20th century. Ever since, scientists like Marcis Jansons have been searching for ways to make it more efficient.

Jansons, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, oversees the Transparent Engine and Laser Diagnostics Lab, which is home to a rare $1 million test engine. One of only about 15 in the United States, the high-tech facility allows Jansons and his students to run sophisticated diagnostic tests on the combustion process by using advanced optics.

The lab is currently conducting three major research projects for government agencies like the Department of Energy, as well as multinational corporations in search of more efficient fuel mixes and heat transfers. Despite his successes, Jansons is most proud of his students.

"A lot of the credit for what we've accomplished in the lab has to go to the talented graduate and undergraduate students who have all made contributions along the way," said Jansons. "All of the students who graduate from this lab have gone on to have incredible success at prestigious Jansons in the lab. facilities."

This article appeared originally in the Wayne State YOUniversity newsletter: http://media.wayne.edu/wsyou_archive/%EF%BF%BC07_16_14_wsyou.pdf