Project:	Automation of the ASTM-E659 standardized apparatus for autoignition characterization
Discipline:	Mechanical Engineering
Mentor:	Joseph Shepherd, Professor, (EAS), joseph.e.shepherd@caltech.edu, Phone: 818 919 3283
Mentor URL:	https://shepherd.caltech.edu/  (opens in new window)
Background:	Accidental ignition of flammable mixtures is an important hazard in the chemical and transportation industries. Our laboratory has extensively investigated the autoignition temperature (AIT) of combustible liquids following the ASTM-E659 standardized tests [1]. Most recent works have been conducted by Charline Fouchier and Branson Davis and can be found in [2][3]. The growing demand for more sustainable aviation fuels has increased interest within the industrial and scientific communities in fully automating the ASTM apparatus. Automation would eliminate variations caused by operator manipulation and enhance the efficiency of fuel testing. A recently developed automatic system [4] now provides, for the first time, precise control over the height, velocity, duration, and temperature of fuel injection [5]. This project aims to further improve the automation of the setup.
Description:	A bibliographic review will first be conducted to gain familiarity with the ASTM test and the influence of injection parameters on combustion processes. Next, a conceptual design for the automated ASTM system will be developed. The setup will then be built and tested with various fuels. The newly constructed apparatus will be used to investigate the effect of aromatics on the autoignition temperature (AIT) of fuels, expanding upon our previous SURF project [6].
References:	[1] ASTM-E659 (2005). Standard test method for autoignition temperature of liquid chemicals. American Society for Testing and Materials. [2] Fouchier, C., & Shepherd, J. (2025). ASTM-E659 standardized test analysis and results for Synthetic Paraffinic Kerosene. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, 105568.. [3] Davis, B., Fouchier, C., & Shepherd, J. E. (2025). Fluid motion and heat transfer in an ASTM-E659 apparatus. Journal of Loss Prevention in the Process Industries, 105558. [4] Fouchier, C., Shepherd, J. E. (2023). ASTM Apparatus EDL2023-001, Technical report, California Institute of Technology, [Online]. Available: https://shepherd.caltech.edu/EDL/publications/reprints/ASTM_Apparatus_EDL2023-001.pdf [5] Ramsperger H., Ignition of aviation fuels and surrogates in hot air atmospheres – parametric analysis on the astm injection system. SURF 2024 Final Report, California Institute of Technology, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://shepherd.caltech.edu/EDL/publications/reprints/SURF_2024_final_Ramsperger.pdf [6] Gray, C., Effect of molecular structure on autoignition temperature of hydrocarbon fuels, SURF 2024 Final Report, California Institute of Technology, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://shepherd.caltech.edu/EDL/publications/reprints/SURF_Final_2024_Gray.pdf
Student Requirements:	Background needed: Fundamentals of fluid and thermal sciences, mechanical engineering. Skills needed: Impeccable laboratory safety discipline, Working knowledge of programming on Matlab or Python, workshop training. Knowledge goals: Experimental and theoretical characterization of ignition processes, Advanced knowledge of experimental methods applied for combustion, Labview basic knowledge Design and construction of an experimental facility.
Programs:	This AO can be done under the following programs:   Program    Available To        SURF    Caltech students only  Click on a program name for program info and application requirements.