The Propulsion and Clean Energy Research Group at 麻豆视频 studies combustion and propulsion through experiments. Our work focuses on soot formation in flames, alternative fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen, and hybrid-electric propulsion for aviation.
Combustion still supplies most of the world鈥檚 energy, and the fuels being burned are changing. Ammonia and hydrogen are entering gas turbines and engines, often blended with conventional fuels and burned at high pressure. Fine particulate matter, generated largely by combustion, is a leading cause of air-pollution deaths worldwide. Black carbon, the soot component of these particles, is also one of the strongest contributors to near-term warming. Our research builds a fundamental understanding of how soot forms and matures in flames, so that engineers can design cleaner combustion systems. We also study how the same flames can produce useful carbon nanomaterials, such as fluorescent carbon dots.
To support aviation with lower emissions, we also study hybrid-electric propulsion systems. Benchmark data on the performance and feasibility of these systems are still limited. We work with partners in academia and industry to generate these data and to improve the sustainability of energy and transportation systems.
