This thesis is the design of a laser-induced fluorescence technique for use in the characterization of the fuel injection delay of various fuels, due to differences in bulk modulus. The technique is designed to work with an operational diesel engine having readily accessible glow-plug ports. The optical adapter designed for use through the glow-plug port is used as both the transmitting port for the excitation signal and the receiving port for the fluorescence signal. The prototype system was installed on a Detroit Diesel 3–53 two-stroke diesel engine. The beginning of the injection cycle is measured by a proximity probe set to detect injector compression to the point where the injector chamber is sealed. The actual entry of fuel into the cylinder is measured using laser induced fluorescence of an organic laser dye seeded fuel, excited by a 532-nm laser. The time/crank angle delay from the start of fuel compression to fuel entry into the cylinder can then be correlated to bulk modulus and cetane number. The combustion event can also be detected using the same optics and its timing correlated with known fuel properties.http://archive.org/details/anopticalmethodf1094544031Lieutenant, United States NavyApproved for public release; distribution is unlimited
