Seminars

Abstract: High-speed air-breathing propulsion systems, such as supersonic combustion ramjets (scramjets) are perceived as being one of the last frontiers of propulsion research. They offer the possibility of propelling vehicles well into the hypersonic regime, with hydrocarbon fueled systems operating across Mach numbers from 3-8 and potentially beyond. While significant progress has been made in their development, much remains to be uncovered through fundamental investigations. This presentation will orient you to the basic operation of scramjets and discuss the results of recent efforts to examine how different types of plasma energy deposition can be used to affect ignition and combustion performance.

Bio: Timothy Ombrello earned his Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in 2003, and his Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from Princeton University in 2009. Currently he is a Senior Research Aerospace Engineer in the Aerospace Systems Directorate, predominately performing research related to high-speed air-breathing propulsion systems. His research covers a wide range of fluid dynamic and combustion challenges, with strong collaborations across academia, industry, and other government agencies. He is a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) from the White House, the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Early Career Award, and the Combustion Institute’s Research Excellence Award. He is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and is a Fellow of the Combustion Institute.