Introduction

When the idea of a symposium on combustion diagnostics was born, nobody thought about an anniversary – but now 20 years later, it's here!

 

Dear All,

While the end of internal combustion engines has been announced again in recent days, it is getting more and more obvious that the world of vehicle propulsion will become more diverse than ever. Internal combustion engines, electric motors or a combination of both are in the spotlight right now and each solution has its advantages and disadvantages. All of us are aware of the discussion about conversion and storage of electrical energy, about the extent of required power for specific mobile applications, about car sharing etc. All we know for sure from today's perspective is that internal combustion engines will remain for a while and that they will have to meet future challenges by adapting themselves.

 

Future trends in engine technology will therefore continue to be driven by efficiency potentials, i.e. by reduction of fuel consumption. The legislator additionally “supports” this approach with stringent exhaust limits, whilst at the same time the number of different fuel types increases.

 

The Combustion process, as the main part of the energy conversion and emission production, is going to be investigated more intensively than ever.

 

Engine developers are using continuously developing tools of simulation, indicating and optical measurement to gather a complete picture about new combustion processes and effects of changing boundary conditions on combustion (e.g. valve timing, fuel type etc.). This picture should not be limited to the combustion chamber only. Rather, it should be extended to the areas of gas exchange, mixture formation and exhaust emission. Apart from this technical aspect, there is another question that engine developers are always interested in: How can I benefit from additional insights coming from the use of these tools?

 

The 10th Symposium on Combustion Diagnostics is going to address all these different issues. The lectures will not only cover the technical perspective, but also the changes of economical or legal boundary conditions.

 

Thus, combustion diagnostics is still a hot topic. Besides bringing you the latest technology trends, the anniversary symposium will also serve as a platform for networking with peers in a non-office environment. Let us surprise you…

 

We look forward to your participation

Dr. R. Teichmann
On behalf of the Program Advisory Committee