Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for simultaneously measuring the temperature and velocity of a working fluid. The system utilizes a pulsed laser to tag phosphorescent tracer molecules disposed within the working fluid. A CCD camera is used to measure the movement of the tagged molecules as well as the change in emission intensity of the photoluminescent material. The decay rate of the laser induced phosphorescence is used to derive the fluid temperature.

Abstract: The performance of an internal combustion engine is optimized utilizing an electrically controlled driver which is located relative to the intake port to excite the intake charge at a selected frequency, duration and power level which depends on the engine operating condition. The purpose of this excitation is to control combustion by optimizing large scale recirculation patterns of the intake charge within the combustion chamber. In particular, this device will provide the effect of optimizing volumetric efficiency at wide open throttle and minimize fuel consumption and emissions at part throttle. An electronic engine controller varies the operation of the drive device as a function of engine operating conditions. The driver excites the intake charge at a frequency of about 5 to 1000 times of the engine speed.