Our Mission

The mission of our research group is to advance the fundamental understanding of combustion processes and use that understanding for solving social issues such as wildfire mitigation, energy and propulsion. We are globally recognized for leading studies of wildfire at large scales for wildland and wildland-urban interface (WUI) fires through rigorous experimentation, innovative modeling, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a commitment to excellence, we strive to describe the complexities of combustion phenomena, enabling the development of cleaner, more efficient, and sustainable energy technologies (e.g., gas turbine) and propulsion technologies (e.g., rocket engines). Our group aims to bridge the gap between fundamental research and practical applications by providing critical insights into combustion behavior, and tools for predictions. Through cutting-edge research and knowledge dissemination, we aspire to contribute to global efforts in optimizing and controlling combustion, and fostering a safe and greener future. As a hub for scientific discovery and technological innovation, our lab seeks to empower the next generation of researchers, and engineers to address pressing energy and environmental issues with informed solutions.

 

BRG Group Photo

Our Research Laboratories

 

The focus of the Combustion, Ignition, Radiation, and Energy (CIRE) Laboratory is using research to gain fundamental understanding to help address challenges related to controlling forest fires, increasing the efficiency of energy conversion systems, and improving propulsion devices. In short, the group strives to make sure that both the fundamental science and the application are addressed through research.

The Propulsion Laboratory is a unique environment where both undergraduate and graduate students lead and conduct propulsion related research and development. Moreover the laboratory has capabilities which are unique to the Pacific Northwest because of the remote test capabilities. This allows students to remotely control and monitor experiments (e.g., detonations, rocket motor evaluation) which are too dangerous to be performed in the same room. Moreover, the laboratory has an extensive air supply, large exhaust system, and access to specialized equipment such as high speed and infrared cameras.

Funding from the following organizations is gratefully acknowledged:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), American Chemical Society (ACS), Office of Naval Research (ONR), National Energy and Technology Laboratory (NETL), Joint Fire Science Program (JFSP), Stragetic Enivronmental and Research Development Program (SERDP), VertueLab (Formally Oregon BEST), OSU Foundation, and National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST).