Research Interests
Soot, combustion, black carbon, climate change, carbon black
Associate Professor Hope Michelsen’s research program is broadly focused on the formation, evolution, and environmental impact of carbonaceous particles under a wide range of conditions. This work involves studies of soot formation during combustion, black carbon evolution in the atmosphere, and particle synthesis under controlled conditions. It additionally entails development and deployment of laser- and X-ray-based diagnostics and instrumentation for combustion and atmospheric applications.
Societal Impact
Soot is responsible for millions of deaths annually, severe degradation of air quality, and enhanced global warming, but it also has significant industrial importance. Dr. Michelsen’s research is aimed at developing an understanding of soot and other carbon-particle formation in order to reduce their emissions, understand their atmospheric impacts, and control their characteristics for commercial applications.
Select Publications
- K. O. Johansson, M. P. Head-Gordon, P. E. Schrader, K. R. Wilson, and H. A. Michelsen, "Resonance-stabilized hydrocarbon-radical chain reactions may explain soot inception and growth", Science 361, 997-1000 (2018) DOI: 10.1126/science.aat3417.
- K. O. Johansson, F. El Gabaly, P. E. Schrader, M. F. Campbell, and H. A. Michelsen, "Evolution of maturity levels of particle surface and bulk during soot growth and oxidation in a flame", Aerosol Sci. Technol. 51(12), 1333-1344 (2017) DOI: 10.1080/02786826.2017. 1355047.
- K. O. Johansson, T. Dillstrom, M. F. Campbell, M. Monti, F. El Gabaly, P. E. Schrader, D. M. Popolan-Vaida, N. K. Richards-Henderson, K. R. Wilson, A. Violi, and H. A. Michelsen, "Formation and emission of large furans and oxygenated hydrocarbons from flames", Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 113, 8374-8379 (2016) DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1604772113.
- R. P. Bambha and H. A. Michelsen, "Effects of aggregate morphology and size on laser-induced incandescence and scattering from black carbon (mature soot)", J. Aerosol Sci. 88, 159-181 (2015) DOI: 10.1016/j.jaerosci.2015.06.006.
- H. A. Michelsen, C. Schulz, G. J. Smallwood, and S. Will, "Laser-induced incandescence: Particulate diagnostics for combustion, atmospheric, and industrial applications", Progress Energy Combust. Sci. 51, 2-48 (2015) DOI: 10.1016/j.pecs.2015.07.001.
Select Awards
- Fellow, American Physical Society
- Fellow, The Optical Society
- Associate Editor, Proceedings of the Combustion Institute
- Inductee, Alameda County Women’s Hall of Fame
