Goodwin Lecture

October 23, 2025, 4:00 PM
Jim and Sandy Hall Auditorium, 135 Gates-Thomas
Reception to follow in Gates-Thomas Lobby

The Lecture is in memory of David G. Goodwin, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Physics, Emeritus, who passed away on November 11, 2012. Professor Goodwin was best known for developing ways to grow thin films of high-purity diamond. Diamond films—transparent, scratch-resistant, and efficient dissipaters of the heat generated by high-powered computer chips—are now routinely used to protect electronic and optical components, and diamond-coated drill bits can be found at any hardware store.

The Lecture will be held annually and is made possible by the Division of Engineering and Applied Science and the support of family, friends and colleagues through donations to the David G. Goodwin Memorial Fund.

The Challenges, Mysteries, and Promises of Metal Combustion

Nick Glumac, Shao Lee Soo Professor in the Mechanical Science and Engineering Department at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

The vast majority of combustion involves hydrocarbons. Metals are known to burn at very high temperature and with generally high heat content and can combust in water and carbon dioxide. These properties have led metals to be considered for many applications, though historically use has been limited to propellants and explosives, primarily due to challenges associated with high ignition temperatures, low burning rates, and solid product generation. The emergence of new technologies, including production of nanoscale and nanoengineered materials, mechanical alloying, mixed metal hydrides, and other developments, has generated new interest in metal combustion and opened up many avenues for research. In this talk, I'll review recent developments in metal combustion, including changes in the way combustion chemistry and transport are modeled for fine particle systems. I'll also discuss potential applications in transportation and energy that could emerge from expanded use of metal combustion.

Nick Glumac is the Shao Lee Soo Professor in the Mechanical Science and Engineering Department at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. He graduated with his PhD under Dave Goodwin in Mechanical Engineering at Caltech in 1994 working on diamond synthesis in combustion systems. Since then, he has focused on many different reacting flow systems, most often using spectroscopic diagnostics. His most recent work has been on working with the Defense and Energy departments to develop and test technologies to counter weapons of mass destruction. He is the recipient of a handful of minor awards, most of which were obtained by dubious means. He counts as some of his most memorable accomplishments his collaborations and interactions with Prof. Goodwin and other Caltech faculty.