| Reduced-Order Modeling of Unsteady Flows | This research develops reduced-order models (ROMs) to capture the essential behavior of unsteady flow phenomena at a fraction (0.001 or less) of the cost of full-scale simulations. Approaches include proper orthogonal decomposition that uses either Galerkin projection or neural ordinary differential equations. Applications range from compressor or turbine flows to multiphase flows in fluidized beds. |
| Hydrogen Combustion in Rotating Detonating Engines and Jet Engines | This line of work investigates the physics and performance of air-breathing rotating detonation engines (RDEs) and jet engines operating on hydrogen. Efforts combine high-fidelity numerical simulation with controlled laboratory experiments. For RDEs, the focus is examining detonation initiation, propagation mechanisms, and long term wave stability in bench-scale engines. For jet engines, switching from Jet A to hydrogen requires burner modifications. Particular attention is given to coupling between flow dynamics, chemical kinetics, and chamber geometry, as these factors critically affect sustained operation. The ultimate goal of exploring hydrogen combustion in RDEs is to advance the fundamental understanding of detonation-based combustion while improving design methodologies, enhancing reliability, and identifying pathways for scaling small-scale RDEs into practical propulsion and power generation applications. |
| Turbomachinery Rotordynamics | The goal of this research is to predict the unsteady aerodynamic forces in turbomachinery seals and their influence on rotor stability. Laboratory testing is used to validate advanced CFD methods. The ultimate objective is to develop better predictive tools that support the design of more efficient and reliable rotating machinery. |
| Entropy-Constrained Modeling of Chemical Kinetics | This avenue of research explores how the second law of thermodynamics constrains closure models in reacting flows. By enforcing entropy inequalities, simplified kinetic mechanisms can be derived that remain stable, physically consistent, and computationally efficient. These methods provide new pathways for modeling chemically reacting flows without sacrificing adherence to fundamental physical laws. |
| Supersonic Aircraft Morphing for Sonic Boom Reduction | This research investigates strategies for mitigating sonic boom through adaptive shape control. Concepts include small outer mold line morphing surfaces that dynamically respond to flight conditions to weaken shock structures. The fluid-structure interaction modeling aims to enable quiet supersonic transport with broad societal and commercial impact. |