AEDCer helps develop test to measure pollution from aircraft engines

  • Published
  • By Janae Daniels
  • AEDC/PA
ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, Tenn. --  Dr. Robert Howard, an Arnold Engineering Development Center researcher, is part of a national team that received national recognition for their outstanding work, earning the 2007 Climate Protection Award from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and an Honorable Mention by the Commander of Naval Air Systems Command at the 2006 NAVAIR Commander's National Award Ceremony. 

"The Commander's honorable mention was in the category of Research, Development, Test and Evaluation, Science and Technology and is quite an honor," Dr. Howard said. "From numerous nominations, the commander gave only one award and recognized two runners-up with honorable mention in each of five categories." 

The team is leading the development of a turbine exhaust test method that will provide data allowing scientists to more accurately gauge the effects of jet aircraft particulate matter emissions on local air quality for human health impact and atmospheric chemistry that could affect global climate change. 

The work conducted at AEDC in support of this project was executed through the center's technology and analysis program. Dr. Howard is one of the lead members of the Joint Strike Fighter PM Emissions Test Team. 

Other leads are Mr. Steven Hartle (Naval Air Systems Command), Mr. Curtis Kimbel (Naval Air Systems Command), Mr. John Kinsey (EPA), Dr. Richard Miake-Lye (Aerodyne Research), Dr. Phillip Whitefield (University of Missouri at Rolla), Dr. Chowen Wey (NASA) and Dr. Wayne Miller (University of California-Riverside). 

Together, over the course of several years, this team has conducted experimental research leading to the development of a new test methodology to quickly, accurately and economically measure PM emissions from aircraft gas turbine engines, whether for military or commercial use. 

Aircraft engines emit aerosol particles and gaseous aerosol precursors into the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere during cruise operations. Altitude emissions can affect atmospheric chemistry, and particle emissions at altitude are of especial concern because particle surfaces allow ice to more easily form aircraft condensation trails (contrails). 

This new test method is currently funded primarily by the Department of Defense Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program for PM emissions quantification of the JSF engine at AEDC. 

This method significantly reduces the engine test time and will reduce the overall cost of PM emissions testing by more than $1 million. 

In 1998, the EPA established the Climate Protection Awards to recognize exceptional leadership, outstanding innovation, personal dedication and technical achievements in climate protection.