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Center for Innovation in Gas Research and Utilization
Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Combustion

Research in combustion area is dedicated to the advancement of technology for the next generation of combustion devices with reduced emissions and a focus on creating a secure and sustainable energy future. Our emphasis is on the study of complex reacting flows under extreme conditions, non-equilibrium plasma, propulsion, jet flame, thermal and non-thermal ignition, high-pressure spray, chemical kinetics, and advanced laser-based diagnostics. In addition to this, we investigate fundamental and applied combustion processes for propulsion and power generation, with a particular interest in combustion systems that use natural gas, dual fuels, and various blends of natural gas with biomass, coal derivatives, and other alternative fuels.

Research topics on combustion

  1. Advanced Combustion
  2. Mine Health and Safety
  3. Advanced Power Generation
  4. Vehicle Emissions under Real Driving Conditions
  5. Highly efficient combustion systems
  6. Chemicals and Fuels via Biomass, Coal, and Waste Gasification
  7. High-Pressure Ignition and Flame Kernel Formation
  8. Plasma-Assisted Combustion/Ignition in Jet Flame
  9. Plasma-Assisted Ammonia Ignition
    10.

1. Advanced Combustion (Akkerman)

Despite prompt developing of alternative energetics, combustibles will presumably remain the dominant source of energy for decades. Even if this is not the case (such that the role of combustibles dramatically diminishes soon), the fire safety concerns will remain of critical importance. As a result, combustion science and engineering are currently moving in three interrelated directions – (i) towards higher efficiency, (ii) higher safety standards, and (iii) cleaner environment (lower emission). Akkerman's research is devoted to investigations of various factors corrugating the shapes of the premixed flame fronts - such as turbulence, combustion instabilities, flame-acoustic coupling, flame interaction with walls and obstacles. This leads to increase in the burning rate, flame acceleration and, sometimes, even to detonation triggering. The so-called deflagration-to-detonation transition (DDT) is the most intriguing part of this research. On one hand, flame acceleration and DDT leads to higher efficiency and can be constructively utilized in next-generation technologies such as pulse-detonation engines and rotation-detonation engines. On other hand, prevention of flame acceleration and DDT is a critical fire safety measure.

flame acceleration

Caption: Formation and disappearance of an octopus premixed flame in a channel with isothermal (preheated) walls at a temperature of Tw = 1000 K for a fuel mixture of thermal expansion Θ=8.

Related project: CAREER: Promotion and Prevention of Flame Acceleration and Deflagration-to-Detonation Transition: From Fundamental Study to Practical Consideration.

2. Mine Health and Safety (Akkerman)

Among industries dealing with explosive materials and flammable gases, the coalmine industry, historically, exhibit ones of the highest fatality and injury rates. This is, mainly, due to accidental explosions and fires occurring on coalmines, thus killing or injuring personnel and destroying expensive equipment. Akkerman's research is devoted to prevention or mitigation of such accidents. Specifically, (i) it is being scrutinized how to prevent an accidental explosion. If an explosion nevertheless occurred, then (ii) it is being studied how to terminate it. If this was not possible, then (iii) it is being studied how to prevent further development of the fire such as flame acceleration (so, the miner can run/hide). Finally, if flame acceleration goes one, then (iv) it is being scrutinized how to avoid detonation triggering and associated pressure waves.

An overall look of vented explosion from both inside and outside vessel perspectives: initial flame expansion inside the vessel (top); the flame overshoot outside the vessel (middle); and flashback inside the vessel (bottom).

Related project: Validation of the Gas & Dust Explosion Model

3. Advanced Power Generation (Akkerman)

Concerns over climate change have led to numerous efforts in developing low-carbon energy technologies. Pressurized oxy-combustion (POC) is a promising candidate in conventional energy industry to confront this global challenge of human society transforming traditional coal-fired power into an environment-friendly, sustainable, cost-effective new energy source. This is important as coal-based power generation still takes up a large share in the energy market.

In addition (another direction): supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) based power cycle is a promising technological venue that would allow to substantially increase power cycle and process efficiencies of modern power generation plants as well as reduce capital expenditure costs of turbomachinary. In particular, the direct fired sCO2 cycle based on oxy-combustion of syngas or natural gas offers some additional benefits including facilitation of CO2 capture and sequestration, higher cycle thermal efficiency.

Modelling of staged pressurized oxy-coal combustion (SPOC): the colorful temperature snapshot

tracking of the coal particles colored by the particle char mass fraction

the overall large eddy simulation (LES) prediction

Related project: Development of Critical Components for the Modular Staged Pressurized Oxy-Combustion (SPOC) Power Plant

4. Vehicle Emissions under Real Driving Conditions (Dumitrescu)

Post 2025, further reduction in nitrogen oxides and carbon-dioxide emissions from heavy-duty (HD) diesel engines request the development of simulation tools capable of simulating the real driving emissions (RDE) from heavy-duty diesel vehicles integrated with advanced after-treatment (AT) system. This project will develop a high-fidelity simulation tool aimed at accurately predicting the fuel economy and exhaust emissions from HD diesel vehicle equipped with advanced AT system especially during cold- and hot-start process.

combustion engine  heavy duty truck

Related project: Fast Simulation of Real Driving Emissions from Heavy-duty Diesel Vehicle Integrated with Advanced Aftertreatment System

5. Highly efficient combustion systems (Dumitrescu)

Research engines with optical access to the combustion chamber

3D numerical simulations

machine learning algorithms are tools used to investigate the fundamentals of phenomena in internal combustion engines

Geopolitics, reduced resource availability, and climate change concerns resulted in the incredible acceleration in investment committed to environmental sustainability and carbon reduction. An efficient, decarbonized, and low emissions solution to electrification for hard-to-electrify industries is to use low-carbon or carbon-free fuels. But the efficiency and emissions of any combustion system are highly sensitive to fuel properties and there is limited information on the use of alternative and carbon-free fuels in combustion devices designed to operate with gasoline or diesel.

The research group uses advanced experimental diagnostics and numerical simulations to investigate fundamental combustion properties (e.g., flame speed, flame structure, stability, etc.) and their effect on the system’s efficiency and emissions, under complex conditions representative of internal combustion engines and gas turbines. The experimental and numerical data is used to improve combustion models of low-carbon and carbon-free fuels. Machine learning is used to further accelerate their use in real applications.

Related project: Center for Advancement of Science and Engineering for Localized Gas Utilization - Natural Gas Combustion Design & Optimization

6. Chemicals and Fuels via Biomass, Coal, and Waste Gasification (Dumitrescu)

equipment diagram

equipment diagram

Bubbling fluidized bed gasifiers that convert coal, biomass, and waste to value-added chemicals and fuels are cost-effective, sustainable, and efficient clean energy solutions. The gasification produces synthesis gas (syngas), which consists mostly of hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO). Syngas rich in H2 can be directly used as fuel for power and heating applications. The experimental data collected under well-controlled conditions provides a better understanding of the parameters that control the process efficiency and gas output composition.

Related project: Gasifier Test Stand Support

7. High-Pressure Ignition and Flame Kernel Formation (Askari)

Ignition and Flame Kernel Formation at Ultra-High Pressures

Ignition and Flame Kernel Formation at Ultra-High Pressures

The next generation of advanced combustion devices are being developed to operate under ultra-high-pressure conditions to improve the combustion efficiency and to reduce the pollutant emissions. However, at such extreme conditions, flame tends to become unstable, and measurement of fundamental properties becomes challenging. The laminar burning speed (LBS) is among those properties, as it is required for the validation of kinetic models and the modeling of turbulent combustion. One potential method to resolve this issue and achieve LBS measurement at very high pressures (i.e., 20-100 atm) is focusing on ignition affected region . The flame kernel in this region is more resistant to perturbations and remains smooth due to the high stretch rates (i.e., small radii). The complication with this region is that the kernel growth rate does not only depend on the chemical reaction but also on other terms such as energy discharge, as well as radiative and conductive energy losses. None of these terms has been adequately assessed, due to the generation of ionized gas (i.e., plasma). The research in the area aims to fill this broad knowledge gap via combined experimental and modeling studies focused with three specific goals: (1) using a well-defined and well-controlled high-pressure experimental configuration; (2) developing a self-consistent theoretical framework to explain the influence of energy discharge on the plasma formation and initial flame propagation; and (3) modifying an available high-fidelity direct numerical simulation (DNS) code to account for the evolution of the plasma kernel and the ignition process. On the experimental side, we utilize high-speed imaging of the plasma kernel propagation in conjunction with laser diagnostics for a time- and space-resolved investigation. The plasma properties are calculated using statistical thermodynamics.

Related project: A Novel Method for Laminar Burning Speed Measurement at Ultra High-Pressures

8. Plasma-Assisted Combustion/Ignition in Jet Flame (Askari)

Plasma-Assisted Combustion/Ignition in Turbulent Jet Flame

Plasma-Assisted Combustion/Ignition in Turbulent Jet Flame

There has been recently a growing interest in the use of methane as a strong candidate for both interplanetary and descent/ascent propulsion solutions. The higher boiling point and higher density of methane compared with hydrogen, makes its storage tank lighter, cheaper and smaller. Methane is abundant in the outer solar system and can be harvested from Mars, Titan, Jupiter and many other planets and therefore, it can be used in reusable rocket engines. However, there are still some technological challenges in methane engines development path. Among those challenges, ignition reliability and flame stability are of great importance. To take advantage of methane in the next generation propulsion devices, an external stabilization system is required. The above challenges can be addressed by integrating repetitive nanosecond pulsed (RNP) discharge into the injector design. In this work, the flame stabilization in a coaxial injector at atmospheric conditions has been studied. It was shown that the RNP discharge has the capability to reduce the liftoff height by 60% and flame length by 75%. The numerical modeling indicated that this behavior is due to generation of key radicals and excited species in the plasma region. However, the pressure and temperature in a real engine is significantly higher which resulted in autoignited jet flame. The stabilization of autoignited jet flame under high fuel dilution becomes challenging which affect the engine performance and prevent the safe operation of advanced vehicles. Current research involves plasma-enhanced autoignited combustion.

Related project: Understanding the Effect of Nanosecond Pulsed Discharge on Ignition and Flame Stability for Methane Engines

9. Plasma-Assisted Ammonia Ignition (Askari)

Nanosecond repetitive plasma discharge regimes and kernel propagation

Nanosecond repetitive plasma discharge regimes and kernel propagation

Nanosecond repetitive plasma discharge regimes and kernel propagation

Efficient and decarbonized energy production is increasingly important at federal and state levels as the transportation and power generation sectors transition to a carbon-constrained future. Using carbon-free, hydrogen-carrying fuels such as ammonia (NH3) in combustion processes can be a key solution for a faster transition to a carbon-free economy. Ammonia can be transferred safer and easier compared to hydrogen, it is cost-effective, and its combustion emits no CO2, one of the primary greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. However, ammonia combustion suffers from low flame speed, ignition difficulty, and high NOx emission, which are preventing its practical application. In addition, using hydrogen-carrying fules is even more important for West Virginia due to its dependence on fossil fuels and the need to pivot to new industries for a decarbonized economy, as specified in Vision 2025: WV Science & Technology Plan. The overarching goal of this project is to build a foundation for the development of a research program at WVU dedicated to sustainable decarbonized power generation. To achive this goal, it is proposed to use low-temperature plasma (LTP) for enhancing the ignition, extending the low flammability limit, and reducing the NOx formation during the NH3 combustion. The interaction between LTP and NH3 in a highly diluted mixture at high pressures relevant to advanced combustion strategies is largely unknown and this proposed research is the first attempt to discover this interaction. The expected outcome is a proof-of-concept of the feasibility of plasma-assisted ammonia ignition. This will be achieved by an fundamental experimental study conducted in the two PIs laboratories. Although none of the PIs have directly worked on plasma-assisted ammonia ignition, they have all required knowledge, facilities, equipment, and diagnostics to perform this cutting-edge project. This project will be the foundation on which the two PIs will build a new research program in Statler College of Engineering dedicated to the efficient decarbonization of power generation and transportation, and the reduction of NOx emissions.

Related project: Investigation of Plasma-Assisted Ignition for Decarbonized Power with Low Emissions using Renewable Ammonia

Affiliated faculty

V’yacheslav (Slava) B. Akkerman, Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Cosmin Dumitrescu, Associate Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Omid Askari, Associate professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Recent publications

V’yacheslav (Slava) B. Akkerman

  1. S. Bilgili**, V. Bychkov, V. Akkerman*, Impacts of the Lewis and Markstein Numbers on Premixed Flame Acceleration in Channels due to Wall Friction, Phys. Fluids 34 (1), 013604 (2022). doi.org/10.1063/5.0067222
  2. Abidakun**, A. Adebiyi**, D. Valiev, V. Akkerman*, Non-Equidiffusive Premixed Flame Propagation in Obstructed Channels with Open, Nonreflectng Ends, Phys. Rev. E. 105 (1), 015104 (2022). doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.105.015104
  3. M. Alkhabbaz**, F. Kodakoglu**, D. Valiev, V. Akkerman*, Impacts of Wall Conditions on Flame Acceleration at the Early Stages of Burning in Pipes, Phys. Rev. Fluids 7 (1), 013201 (2022). doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevFluids.7.013201
  4. S. Ogunfuye*,**, H. Sezer, A.O. Said, A. Simeoni , V. Akkerman, An Analysis of Gas-induced Explosions in Vented Enclosures in Lithium-ion Batteries, J. Ener. Stor. 51, 104438 (2022). doi.org/10.1016/j.est.2022.104438
  5. Ugarte**, V. Akkerman*, Computational Study of Premixed Flame Propagation in Micro-channels with Nonslip Walls: Effect of Wall Temperature, Fluids 6 (1), 36 (2021). doi.org/10.3390/fluids6010036
  6. Abidakun**, A. Adebiyi**, D. Valiev, V. Akkerman*, Impacts of Fuel Nonequidiffusivity on Premixed Flame Propagation in Channels with Open Ends, Phys. Fluids 33 (1), 013604 (2021). doi.org/10.1063/5.0019152
  7. S. Ogunfuye**, H. Sezer, F. Kodakoglu**, H.F. Farahani, A.S. Rangwala, V. Akkerman*, Dynamics of Explosions in Cylindrical Vented Enclosures: Validation of a Computational Model by Experiments, Fire 4 (1), 9 (2021). doi.org/10.3390/fire4010009
  8. C.M. Dion, D.M. Valiev*, V. Akkerman, B. Demirgok**, O.J. Ugarte**, L.-E. Eriksson, V. Bychkov, Dynamics of Flame Extinction in Narrow Channels with Cold Walls: Heat Loss versus Acceleration , Phys. Fluids 33 (3), 033610 (2021). doi.org/10.1063/5.0041050
  9. S. Pokharel**, M. Ayoobi*, V. Akkerman, Computational Analysis of Premixed Syngas/Air Combustion in Micro-channels: Impacts of Flow Rate and Fuel Composition, Energies 14 (14), 4190 (2021). doi.org/10.3390/en14144190
  10. Pokharel**, V. Akkerman*, I. Celik, R.L. Axelbaum, A. Islas**, Z. Yang, Impact of Particle Loading and Phase Coupling on Gas-solid Flow Dynamics: A Case Study of a Two-phase, Gas-solid Flow in an Annular Pipe, Phys. Fluids 33 (7), 073308 (2021). doi.org/10.1063/5.0054906
  11. F. Kodakoglu**, S. Demir**, D. Valiev, V. Akkerman*, Analysis of Gaseous and Gaseous-dusty, Premixed Flame Propagation in Obstructed Passages with Tightly Placed Obstacles, Fluids 5 (3), 115 (2020). doi.org/10.3390/fluids5030115
  12. F. Kodakoglu**, V. Akkerman*, Analytical Study of an Effect of Gas Compressibility on a Burning Accident in an Obstructed Passage, Phys. Fluids 32 (7), 073602 (2020). doi.org/10.1063/1.5144400
  13. Adebiyi**, O. Abidakun**, D. Valiev, V. Akkerman*, Acceleration of Premixed Flames in Obstructed Pipes with both Extremes Open, Energies 13 (16), 4094 (2020). doi.org/10.3390/en13164094
  14. F. Kodakoglu**, H.F. Farahani, A. Rangwala, V. Akkerman*, Dynamics of Explosion Venting in Compartment with Methane-air Mixtures, J. Loss Prev. Proc. Ind. 67, 104230 (2020). doi.org/10.1016/j.jlp.2020.104230
  15. S. Bilgili**, O.J. Ugarte**, V. Akkerman*, Acoustic Coupling to the Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability in Viscous Potential Flows, Phys. Fluids 32 (8), 084108 (2020). doi.org/10.1063/5.0017448
  16. J. Wan, H. Zhao*, V. Akkerman, Anchoring Mechanisms of a Holder-Stabilized Premixed Flame in a Preheated Mesoscale Combustor , Phys. Fluids 32 (9), 097103 (2020). doi.org/10.1063/5.0021864
  17. Adebiyi**, E. Ridgeway**, R. Alkandari**, A. Cathreno**, D. Valiev**, V. Akkerman*, Premixed Flame Oscillations in Obstructed Channels with both Ends Open, Proc. Combust. Inst. 37 (2), 1919-1926 (2019). doi.org/10.1016/j.proci.2018.07.058
  18. S. Demir**, H. Sezer, T. Bush**, V. Akkerman*, Promotion and Mitigation of Premixed Flame Propagation in a Gaseous-Dusty Environment with Various Dust Distributions, Fire Safety Journal 105, 270-276 (2019). doi.org/10.1016/j.firesaf.2019.02.005
  19. Adebiyi**, R. Alkandari**, D. Valiev, V. Akkerman*, Effect of Surface Friction on Ultrafast Flame Acceleration in Obstructed Cylindrical Pipes , AIP Advances 9, 035249 (2019). doi.org/10.1063/1.5087139
  20. Adebiyi**, O. Abidakun**, G. Idowu**, D. Valiev, V. Akkerman*, Analysis of Nonequidiffusive Premixed Flames in Obstructed Channels, Phys. Rev. Fluids 4 (6), 063201 (2019). doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevFluids.4.063201
  21. M. Alkhabbaz**, O. Abidakun**, D. Valiev, V. Akkerman*, Impact of the Lewis Number on Finger Flame Acceleration at the Early Stage of Burning in Channels and Tubes, Phys. Fluids 31 (8), 083606 (2019). doi.org/10.1063/1.5108805
  22. S. Demir**, A.R. Calavay**, V. Akkerman*, Influence of Gas Compressibility on a Burning Accident in a Mining Passage, Combust. Theory Model. 22 (2), 338-358 (2018). doi.org/10.1080/13647830.2017.1403654
  23. S. Demir**, H. Sezer, V. Akkerman*, Effect of Local Variations of the Laminar Flame Speed on the Global Finger-Flame Acceleration Scenario, Combust. Theory Model. 22 (5), 898-912 (2018). doi.org/10.1080/13647830.2018.1465206
  24. V. Akkerman*, D. Valiev, Moderation of Flame Acceleration in Obstructed Cylindrical Pipes due to Gas Compression, Phys. Fluids 30 (10), 106101 (2018). doi.org/10.1063/1.5049736
  25. N. Clark*, D. McKain, D. Johnson, S. Wayne, H. Li, V. Akkerman, C. Sandoval, A. Covington, R. Mongold, J. Hailer, O.J. Ugarte**, Pump-to-wheels Methane Emissions from the Heavy-duty Transportation Sector, Environ. Sci. Tech. 51, 968-976 (2017). doi.org/10.1021/acs.est.5b06059
  26. V. Bychkov, J. Sadek**, V. Akkerman*, Analysis of Flame Acceleration in Open or Vented Obstructed Pipes, Phys. Rev. E 95 (1), 013111 (2017). doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.95.013111
  27. H. Sezer*, F. Kronz**, V. Akkerman, A.S. Rangwala, Methane-induced Explosions in Vented Enclosures, J. Loss Prev. Proc. Ind. 48, 199-206 (2017). doi.org/10.1016/j.jlp.2017.04.009
  28. S. Demir**, V. Bychkov, S.H.R. Chalagalla**, V. Akkerman*, Towards Predictive Scenario of a Burning Accident in a Mining Passage, Combust. Theory Model. 21 (6), 997-1022 (2017). doi.org/10.1080/13647830.2017.1328129
  29. Ugarte*,**, V. Akkerman, A. Rangwala, A Computational Platform for Gas Explosion Venting, Proc. Saf. Env. Prot. 99, 167-174 (2016). doi.org/10.1016/j.psep.2015.11.001
  30. V. Akkerman*, C.K. Law, Coupling of Harmonic Flow Oscillations to Combustion Instability in Premixed Segments of Triple Flames, Combust. Flame 172, 342-348 (2016). doi.org/10.1016/j.combustflame.2016.07.019
  31. Ugarte**, V. Bychkov, J. Sadek, D. Valiev, V. Akkerman*, Critical Role of Blockage Ratio for Flame Acceleration in Channels with Tightly-Spaced Obstacles , Phys. Fluids 28 (9), 093602 (2016). doi.org/10.1063/1.4961648
  32. Demirgok**, O. Ugarte**, D. Valiev, V. Akkerman*, Effect of Thermal Expansion on Flame Propagation in Channels with Nonslip Walls, Proc. Combust. Inst. 35 (1), 929-936 (2015). doi.org/10.1016/j.proci.2014.07.031
  33. S. Ranganathan, M. Lee, V. Akkerman, A. Rangwala*, Extinction of Premixed Flames with Inert Particles, J. Loss Prev. Proc. Ind. 35, 46-51 (2015). doi.org/10.1016/j.jlp.2015.03.009
  34. Demirgok**, H. Sezer, V. Akkerman*, Flame Acceleration due to Wall Friction: Accuracy and Intrinsic Limitations of the Formulations, Mod. Phys. Lett. B 29 (32), 1550205 (2015). doi.org/10.1142/S021798491550205X

Cosmin Dumitrescu

  1. Liu, J., Huang, Q., Ulishney, C., and Dumitrescu, C. E. “Machine learning assisted prediction of exhaust gas temperature of a heavy-duty natural gas spark ignition engine.” Applied Energy Vol. 300 (2021): p. 117413. DOI:10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.117413.
  2. Liu, J., Ulishney, C. J., and Dumitrescu, C. E. “Effect of Spark Timing on the Combustion Stages Seen in a Heavy-Duty Compression-Ignition Engine Retrofitted to Natural Gas Spark-Ignition Operation.” SAE Int J Engines Vol. 14 No. 3 (2021): pp. 335-344. DOI:10.4271/03-14-03-0020.
  3. Liu, J., Ulishney, C. J., and Dumitrescu, C. E. “Experimental investigation of a heavy-duty natural gas engine performance operated at stoichiometric and lean operations.” Energy Conversion and Management Vol. 243 No. (2021): p. 114401. DOI:10.1016/j.enconman.2021.114401.
  4. Liu, J., Ulishney, C., and Dumitrescu, C. E. “Random Forest Machine Learning Model for Predicting Combustion Feedback Information of a Natural Gas Spark Ignition Engine.” J Energy Res Technol Vol. 143 No. 1 (2021): p. 7. DOI:10.1115/1.4047761.
  5. Lalsare, A. D., Leonard, B., Robinson, B., Sivri, A. C., Vukmanovich, R., Dumitrescu, C., Rogers, W., and Hu, J. “Self-regenerable carbon nanofiber supported Fe – Mo2C catalyst for CH4-CO2 assisted reforming of biomass to hydrogen rich syngas.” Applied Catalysis B: Environmental Vol. 282 (2021): p. 119537. DOI:10.1016/j.apcatb.2020.119537.
  6. Huang, Q., Liu, J., Ulishney, C., and Dumitrescu, C. E. “On the use of artificial neural networks to model the performance and emissions of a heavy-duty natural gas spark ignition engine.” International Journal of Engine Research Vol. OnlineFirst (2021): p. 14680874211034409. DOI:10.1177/14680874211034409.
  7. Liu, J. and Dumitrescu, C. E. “Limitations of Natural Gas Lean Burn Spark Ignition Engines Derived From Compression Ignition Engines.” Journal of Energy Resources Technology Vol. 142(12): pp. 122309-122301, 2020. DOI:10.1115/1.40474.
  8. Liu, J., Ulishney, C., and Dumitrescu, C. E. “Characterizing Two-Stage Combustion Process in a Natural Gas Spark Ignition Engine Based on Multi-Wiebe Function Model.” Journal of Energy Resources Technology Vol. 142(10): pp. 102302 (8 pages), 2020. DOI:10.1115/1.4046793.
  9. Liu, J. and Dumitrescu C. E., “Investigation of multistage combustion inside a heavy-duty natural-gas spark-ignition engine using 3D CFD simulations and the Wiebe-function combustion model.” Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power Vol. 142(10): pp. 101012 (7 pages), 2020. DOI:10.1115/1.4045869.
  10. Lalsare, A., Sivri, A., Egan, R., Vukmanovich, R. J., Dumitrescu, C. E., and Hu, J. “Biomass – flare gas synergistic co-processing in the presence of carbon dioxide for the controlled production of syngas (H2:CO ∼ 2 – 2.5).” Chemical Engineering Journal Vol. 385(1): pp. 123783, 2020. DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2019.123783.
  11. Liu, J. and Dumitrescu, C.E., “Improved thermodynamic model for lean natural-gas spark-ignition in a diesel engine using a triple-Wiebe function.” Journal of Energy Resources Technology Vol. 142(6): pp. 062303 (7 pages), 2020. DOI:10.1115/1.4045534.
  12. Liu, J. and Dumitrescu, C.E., “Methodology to Determine the Fast Burn Period Inside a Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Converted to Natural Gas Lean-Burn Spark Ignition Operation.” Journal of Advances and Current Practices in Mobility Vol. 2(1): pp. 346-356, 2020. DOI:10.4271/2019-01-2220.
  13. Liu, J. and Dumitrescu, C.E., “Multiple Combustion Stages inside a Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Retrofitted to Natural-Gas Spark-Ignition Operation.” Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power Vol. 142(2), pp. 021018, 2020. DOI:10.1115/1.4044492.
  14. Lalsare, A., Wang, Y., Li, Q., Sivri, A., Vukmanovich, R. J., Dumitrescu, C. E., and Hu, J. “Hydrogen-Rich Syngas Production through Synergistic Methane-Activated Catalytic Biomass Gasification.” ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, Vol. 7(19), pp.16060-16071, 2019. DOI:10.1021/acssuschemeng.9b02663.
  15. Liu, J. and Dumitrescu, C.E., “Analysis of Two-Stage Natural-Gas Lean Combustion inside a Diesel Geometry,” Applied Thermal Engineering, Vol. 160, pp. 114116, 2019, DOI:10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2019.114116
  16. Liu, J. and Dumitrescu, C.E., “Methodology to Separate the Two Burn Stages of Natural-Gas Lean Premixed-Combustion inside a Diesel Geometry,” Energy Conversion and Management, Vol. 195, pp. 21-31, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2019.04.091
  17. Liu, J. and Dumitrescu, C.E., “Single and double Wiebe function combustion model for a heavy-duty diesel engine retrofitted to natural-gas spark-ignition,” Applied Energy Vol. 248, pp. 95-103, 2019. DOI:10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.04.098
  18. Liu, J. and Dumitrescu, C.E., “Numerical Investigation of Methane Number and Wobbe Index Effects in Lean-Burn Natural Gas Spark-Ignition Combustion.” Energy & Fuels Vol. 33(5), pp. 4564-4574, 2019. DOI:10.1021/acs.energyfuels.8b04463.
  19. Liu, J. and Dumitrescu, C.E., “Lean-Burn Characteristics of a Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Retrofitted to Natural-Gas Spark Ignition.” Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power Vol. 141(7), pp. 071013-071013-11, 2019. DOI:10.1115/1.4042501
  20. Liu, J. and Dumitrescu, C.E., “Combustion Partitioning Inside a Natural Gas Spark Ignition Engine with a Bowl-in-Piston Geometry,” Energy Conversion and Management, Vol. 183, pp. 73-83, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2018.12.118
  21. Liu, J. and Dumitrescu C.E. “Numerical Simulation of Re-Entrant Bowl Effects on Natural Gas SI Operation.” Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power, Vol. 141(6), pp. 061023-061023-10, 2019.
  22. Liu, J., Bommisetty, H., and Dumitrescu C.E. “Experimental Investigation of a Heavy-Duty CI Engine Retrofitted to Natural Gas SI Operation.” Journal of Energy Resources Technology, Vol. 141(11), pp. 112207-112207-12, 2019.
  23. Stocchi, I., Liu, J., Dumitrescu, C.E., Battistoni, M., and Grimaldi, C. N. “Effect of Piston Crevices on 3D Simulation of a Heavy-Duty Diesel Engine Retrofitted to Natural Gas Spark Ignition.” Journal of Energy Resources Technology, Vol. 141(11), pp. 112204-112204-8, 2019.
  24. Liu, J. and Dumitrescu, C.E., “Optical analysis of flame inception and propagation in a lean-burn natural-gas spark-ignition engine with a bowl-in-piston geometry,” International Journal of Engine Research, pp.1468087418822852, 2019, https://doi.org/10.1177/1468087418822852.
  25. Liu, J. and Dumitrescu, C.E., “Flame development analysis in a diesel optical engine converted to spark ignition natural gas operation,” Applied Energy, Vol. 230, pp. 1205-1217, 2018, DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2018.09.059.

Omid Askari

  1. Roy, S. and Askari, O., 2022, “Detailed Kinetics for Anisole Oxidation under Various Range of Operating Conditions”, Journal of Fuel, 325, 124907. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2022.124907
  2. Shaffer, J., Zare, S. and Askari, O., 2022, "Electrode Design for Thermal and Nonthermal Plasma Discharge Inside a Constant Volume Combustion Chamber", J. Energy Resour. Technol, 144(8): 082306. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4053142
  3. Hadi, F., Roy, S., Askari, O and Beretta, GP., 2021, " A Reformulation of Degree of Disequilibrium Analysis for Automatic Selection of Kinetic Constraints in the Rate-Controlled Constrained-Equilibrium Method", J. Energy Resour. Technol., JERT-21-1101. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4050815
  4. Roy, S. and Askari, O., 2020, “A New Detailed Ethanol Kinetic Mechanism at Engine-Relevant Conditions”, Journal of Energy&Fuel, 34, 3691-3708. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.energyfuels.9b03314
  5. Zare, S., Lo, H.W., Roy, S. and Askari, O., 2020, “On the Low-Temperature Plasma Discharge in Methane/Air Diffusion Flames”, Journal of Energy, 197 117185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2020.117185
  6. Zare, S., Lo, H.W. and Askari, O., 2020, “Flame Stability in Inverse Coaxial Injector using Repetitive Nanosecond Pulsed Plasma”, J. Energy Resour. Technol., 142 (8). https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4046227
  7. Roy, S. and Askari, O., 2020, “Study of the Constraint Selection through ASVDADD Method for Rate Controlled Constrained Equilibrium Modeling on Ethanol Oxidation without PLOG Reactions”, J. Energy Resour. Technol., 142 (7). https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4046526
  8. Kolahdooz, H., Nazari, M., Kayhani, M. H., Ebrahimi, R., and Askari, O., 2019, “Effect of Obstacle Type on Methane-Air Flame Propagation in a Closed Duct: An Experimental Study,” J. Energy Resour. Technol. Trans. ASME, 141(11). https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4043790
  9. Kim, K., and Askari, O., 2019, “Understanding the Effect of Capacitive Discharge Ignition on Plasma Formation and Flame Propagation of Air–Propane Mixture,” J. Energy Resour. Technol., 141(8), p. 082201. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4042480
  10. Zare, S., Roy, S., El Maadi, A., and Askari, O., 2019, “An investigation on laminar burning speed and flame structure of anisole-air mixture,” Journal of Fuel, 244, pp. 120–131. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fuel.2019.01.149
  11. Roy, S., Zare, S., and Askari, O., 2019, “Understanding the Effect of Oxygenated Additives on Combustion Characteristics of Gasoline,” J. Energy Resour. Technol., 141(2), p. 022205. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4041316
  12. Yu, G., Metghalchi, H., Askari, O., and Wang, Z., 2019, “Combustion Simulation of Propane/Oxygen (With Nitrogen/Argon) Mixtures Using Rate-Controlled Constrained-Equilibrium,” J. Energy Resour. Technol., 141(2), p. 022204. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4041289
  13. Askari, O., 2018, “Thermodynamic Properties of Pure and Mixed Thermal Plasmas Over a Wide Range of Temperature and Pressure,” J. Energy Resour. Technol., 140(3), p. 32202. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4037688
  14. Yu, G., Askari, O., and Metghalchi, H., 2018, “Theoretical Prediction of the Effect of Blending JP-8 With Syngas on the Ignition Delay Time and Laminar Burning Speed,” J. Energy Resour. Technol., 140(1), p. 12204. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4037376

Funding agencies/industrial collaborators

Alpha Foundation  NSF  WVU Research Office  NASA  West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission  US Department of Energy - Fossil Energy  US Department of Energy - Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy

CENTER FOR INNOVATION IN GAS RESEARCH AND UTILIZATION

1306 Evansdale Drive | PO Box 6102
Morgantown, WV 26506
Phone:  304.293.5067 |  Email:  Statler-SGC@mail.wvu.edu

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

1374 Evansdale Drive | PO Box 6070
Morgantown, West Virginia 26506-6070

Phone:  304.293.4821 |  Email:  statler-info@mail.wvu.edu

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