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This paper reports the development of vapor/liquid visualization systems based on an exciplex (excited state complex) formed between dimethyl- or diethyl-substituted aniline and trimethyl-substituted naphthalenes. Quantum yields of individual monomers were measured and the exciplex emission spectra as well as fluorescence quenching mechanisms were analyzed. Among the many systems and formulations investigated in this study, an exciplex consisting of 7% 1,4,6-trimethylnaphthalene (TMN) and 5% N,N-dimethylaniline (DMA) in 88% isooctane was found to be the best system for the laser-induced exciplex fluorescence (LIEF) technique, which is used to observe mixture formation in diesel or spark ignition (SI) engines. Observation of spectrally separated fluorescence from monomer in the gas phase and from exciplex in the gasoline fuel [1] requires that the exciplex forming dopants have boiling points within the distillation range of gasoline (20 to 215°C).

A better understanding of turbulent kinetic energy is important for improvement of fuel-air mixing, which can lead to lower emissions and reduced fuel consumption. An in-cylinder flow study was conducted using 1548 Laser Doppler Velocimetry (LDV) measurements inside one cylinder of a 3.5L four-valve engine. The measurement method, which simultaneously collects three-dimensional velocity data through a quartz cylinder, allowed a volumetric evaluation of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) inside an automotive engine. The results were animated on a UNIX workstation, using a 3D wireframe model. The data visualization software allowed the computation of TKE isosurfaces, and identified regions of higher turbulence within the cylinder. The mean velocity fields created complex flow patterns with symmetries about the center plane between the two intake valves. High levels of TKE were found in regions of high shear flow, attributed to the collisions of intake flows.