Combustion and Kinetics Group

The Combustion and Kinetics Group performs systematic assessment and validation of chemical kinetics information available in the open literature. Plays an active role in national and international organizations for the preparation of databases for simulations in relevant areas. Carries out simulations and experimental studies on global and molecular phenomenon using fundamental data. Develops and uses state-of-the-art measurement techniques as well as theoretical calculations to determine: (a) the rate constants, mechanisms, and transport properties of chemical reactions in the gas and liquid phases and at surfaces, with emphasis on species important to the climate and environmental sciences, the chemical and related industries, and relevant to processes such as combustion, alternative fuels, and plasma chemistry, (b) The properties of individual molecules and the characterization of the potential energy surfaces of reactions of materials undergoing chemical change with the focus on their use in simulations of global phenomena, and (c) the thermochemical and thermal properties of industrially and environmentally important chemical species; develops advanced measurement methodologies for detecting and characterizing a wide range of reactive intermediates; and certifies Standard Reference Materials for thermochemical properties of importance to industry and science.