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Laser Ignition May Replace the Spark Plug

Posted by kdawson on from the what-could-possibly-go-wrong dept.

dusty writes "Laser Focus World has a story on researchers from Ford, GSI, and The University of Liverpool and their success in using near-infrared lasers instead of spark plugs in automobile engines. The laser pulses are delivered to the combustion chamber one of two ways. One, the laser energy is transmitted through free space and into an optical plug. Two, the other more challenging method uses fiber optics. Attempts so far to put the second method into play have met some challenges. The researchers are confident that the fiber-optic laser cables' technical challenges (such as a 20% parasitic loss, and vibration issues) will soon be overcome. Both delivery schemes drastically reduce harmful emissions and increase performance over the use of spark plugs. So the spark plug could soon join the fax machine in the pantheon of antiquated technologies that will never completely disappear. The news release from The University of Liverpool has pictures of the freakin' internal combustion lasers."

21 of 388 comments (clear)

  1. Flashing lights by SilverHatHacker · · Score: 5, Funny

    If it makes cool red lights flash under the hood like KITT, I'm all for it.

    --
    Funny may not give karma, but +5 Informative never made anyone snort coffee out their nose.
    1. Re:Flashing lights by gnick · · Score: 3, Funny

      I've seen those installed. Be assured - An adult driving a car with a red swooshing light thing does not look nearly as cool as we all remember KITT and Michael to be.

      --
      He's getting rather old, but he's a good mouse.
    2. Re:Flashing lights by FlyingSquidStudios · · Score: 5, Funny

      It was the 1980s. Between the feathered hair, the parachute pants and the Members Only jackets, nothing could save you from looking like a complete jackass.

      --
      http://twitter.com/OLDTELEGRAM
    3. Re:Flashing lights by interkin3tic · · Score: 4, Funny

      Wait wait wait, two things
      1. You're saying Members Only jackets are out of style and have been so since the 80s?
      2. Who are you calling a jackass?

    4. Re:Flashing lights by neonsignal · · Score: 5, Funny

      David Hasselhoff doesn't look nearly as cool as we remember him to be either...

    5. Re:Flashing lights by slashdotmsiriv · · Score: 5, Funny

      Nope, he still does ... :

      http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-3382491587979249836

    6. Re:Flashing lights by jcr · · Score: 4, Funny

      OMG, that's worse than a rickroll.

      What is seen can not be unseen. Don't click that link!

      -jcr

      --
      The only title of honor that a tyrant can grant is "Enemy of the State."
  2. PETA by AmigaHeretic · · Score: 4, Funny

    Is it one shark per cylinder?

    Yeah, they're gonna be pissed.

    1. Re:PETA by minvaren · · Score: 5, Funny

      Yes. And the only way to start the car will be to jump it.

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      Big! Strong! Wow! Tada-O!
  3. I'd be too afraid... by Cryacin · · Score: 2, Funny

    Of the freakin sharks in the freakin engine bay!

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    Science advances one funeral at a time- Max Planck
  4. Re:misreading by AmigaHeretic · · Score: 4, Funny

    I'd go trade mark that name quick if I were you... "SharkPlugs"

  5. Re:So what happens by RuBLed · · Score: 2, Funny

    Buy the fuel with little hard working men that cleans the engine from the inside.

  6. Re:Stupid question by brusk · · Score: 2, Funny

    Duh. The nozzles at the gas station are different sizes.

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    .sig withheld by request
  7. Re:So what happens by clarkkent09 · · Score: 2, Funny

    That's easy, they'll install wipers on them.

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    Negative moral value of force outweighs the positive value of good intentions.
  8. Re:Electric cars don't need no stinkin' spark plug by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    Nope, they use potpourri sented spark plugs, so much smugger.

  9. Let me make a run at a joke! by tiger32kw · · Score: 2, Funny

    "So the spark plug could soon join the fax machine in the pantheon of antiquated technologies that will never completely disappear."

    I always get my secretary to page me when I get a new fax. Then I head over to the closest payphone and give her a call to see what it says. Generally its just spam :(

  10. I'm confused by oldhack · · Score: 2, Funny

    Can y'all throw in a car analogy? Help a inquisitive brother out.

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  11. Re:In most likeliness by flyingfsck · · Score: 5, Funny

    Actually, the hydrogen storage and delivery problem has been licked long ago. If you combine hydrogen with carbon and form long chain molecules, it becomes a liquid at normal atmospheric pressure and temperature. This allows it to burn efficiently in modern vehicles without any modifications required...

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    Excuse me, but please get off my Pennisetum Clandestinum, eh!
  12. Re:Self Cleaning by roguetrick · · Score: 2, Funny

    Carbon don't burn too easy boss.

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    -The world would be a better place if everyone had a hoverboard
  13. Re:So what happens by haifastudent · · Score: 5, Funny

    You ever had a car with Lucas electrics?

    Two. One for the road and one for the mechanic.

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  14. Re:Stupid Memes by anagama · · Score: 3, Funny

    Forget that, I'm still waiting for a car analogy even after scrolling by 90% of the posts.

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    What changed under Obama? Nothing Good