Education

Research Description

Dr. Fang is presently 1) studying spray atomization and combustion of reusable fuels (biodiesel, butanol), 2) performing fundamental work in understanding liquid break-up in two-phase flows, and 3) is developing new intelligent fuel injection technology for clean engine combustion. Many of his advancements result from his unique strategies for the visualization of the combustion process. Within MAE, he collaborates with Dr. Buckner, Dr. Edwards, Dr. Ngaile, Dr. Roberts, and Dr. Zhu.

Publications

Evaluation of Photoacoustic Transduction Efficiency of Candle Soot Nanocomposite Transmitters

Chang, Wei-Yi and Zhang, Xu A. and Kim, Jinwook and Huang, Wenbin and Bagal, Abhijeet and Chang, Chih-Hao and Fang, Tiegang and Wu, Hanchang Felix and Jiang, Xiaoning (2018), IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON NANOTECHNOLOGY, 17(5), 985-993.

Liquid film flow over an unsteady moving surface with a new stretching velocity

Fang, Tiegang and Wang, Fujun and Gao, Bo (2018), PHYSICS OF FLUIDS, 30(9), .

Viscous Slip MHD Flow over a Moving Sheet with an Arbitrary Surface Velocity

Fang, Tiegang and Wang, Fujun (2018), CHINESE PHYSICS LETTERS, 35(10), .

The Falkner-Skan flow with variable viscosity and nonlinear Rosseland thermal radiation

Pantokratoras, A. and Fang, T. G. (2018), Heat transfer research, 49(6), 569-582.

Characteristics of spray from a GDI fuel injector for naphtha and surrogate fuels

Wang, L. and Badra, J. A. and Roberts, W. L. and Fang, T. (2017), Fuel , 190(), 113-128.

Effects of fuel quantity on soot formation process for biomass-based renewable diesel fuel combustion

Jing, W. and Wu, Z. Y. and Roberts, W. L. and Fang, T. G. (2017), Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power, 139(10), .

Carboxymethylated lignins with low surface tension toward low viscosity and highly stable emulsions of crude bitumen and refined oils

Li, S. and Ogunkoya, D. and Fang, T. G. and Willoughby, J. and Rojas, O. J. (2016), Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 482(), 27-38.

Effects of fuel quantity on soot formation process for biomass-based renewable diesel fuel combustion

Jing, W. and Wu, Z. Y. and Roberts, W. L. and Fang, T. G. (2016), Proceedings of the ASME Internal Combustion Engine Division Fall Technical Conference (ICEF), (), .

Narrow band flame emission from dieseline and diesel spray combustion in a constant volume combustion chamber

Wu, Z. Y. and Jing, W. and Zhang, W. B. and Roberts, W. L. and Fang, T. G. (2016), Fuel , 185(), 829-846.

Performance and emission testing of a bi-fuel outboard spark-ignition engine

Bohon, S. and Fang, T. G. (2016), International Journal of Engine Research, 17(5), 576-592.

Soot particle size measurements in ethylene diffusion flames at elevated pressures

Steinmetz, S. A. and Fang, T. G. and Roberts, W. L. (2016), Combustion and Flame, 169(), 85-93.

Spray combustion of biomass-based renewable diesel fuel using multiple injection strategy in a constant volume combustion chamber

Jing, W. and Wu, Z. Y. and Roberts, W. L. and Fang, T. G. (2016), Fuel , 181(), 718-728.

Steady viscous flow between two porous disks with stretching motion

Fang, T. G. and He, X. (2016), Journal of Fluids Engineering-Transactions of the ASME, 138(1), .

Wicking enhancement in three-dimensional hierarchical nanostructures

Wang, Z. T. and Zhao, J. J. and Bagal, A. and Dandley, E. C. and Oldham, C. J. and Fang, T. G. and Parsons, G. N. and Chang, C. H. (2016), Langmuir, 32(32), 8029-8033.

Boundary layer solutions to a point sink flow inside a cone with mass transpiration and moving wall

Fang, T. G. and He, X. (2015), European physical journal plus, 130(2), .

Effects of ambient oxygen concentration on soot temperature and concentration for biodiesel and diesel spray combustion

Zhang, J. and Jing, W. and Roberts, W. L. and Fang, T. (2015), Journal of Energy Engineering, 141(2), .

Engine performance, combustion, and emissions study of biomass to liquid fuel in a compression-ignition engine

Ogunkoya, D. and Fang, T. G. (2015), Energy Conversion and Management, 95(), 342-351.

Investigation of the effects of renewable diesel fuels on engine performance, combustion, and emissions

Ogunkoya, D. and Roberts, W. L. and Fang, T. G. and Thapaliya, N. (2015), Fuel , 140(), 541-554.

Liquid jet breakup for non-circular orifices under low pressures

Wang, F. J. and Fang, T. G. (2015), International Journal of Multiphase Flow, 72(), 248-262.

Measurements of soot temperature and KL factor for spray combustion of biomass derived renewable fuels

Jing, W. and Wu, Z. Y. and Zhang, W. B. and Fang, T. G. (2015), Energy (Oxford, England), 91(), 758-771.

New unsteady boundary layers over a long thin cylinder

Fang, T. G. (2015), Meccanica, 50(12), 2907-2918.

Performance, combustion, and emissions in a diesel engine operated with fuel-in-water emulsions based on lignin

Ogunkoya, D. and Li, S. and Rojas, O. J. and Fang, T. G. (2015), Applied Energy, 154(), 851-861.

Spray and atomization of a common rail fuel injector with non-circular orifices

Sharma, P. and Fang, T. G. (2015), Fuel , 153(), 416-430.

Spray combustion of Jet-A and diesel fuels in a constant volume combustion chamber

Jing, W. and Roberts, W. L. and Fang, T. G. (2015), Energy Conversion and Management, 89(), 525-540.

Temperature effects on particulate emissions from DPF-equipped diesel trucks operating on conventional and biodiesel fuels

Book, E. K. and Snow, R. and Long, T. and Fang, T. and Baldauf, R. (2015), Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association, 65(6), 751-758.

A note on the paper 'Analytical approach to heat andmass transfer in MHD free convection from amoving permeable vertical surface' by A. Asgharian, DD Ganji, S. Soleimani, S. Asgharian, N. Sedaghatyzade and B. Mohammadi, Mathematical Methods in the Applied S

Pantokratoras, A. and Fang, T. G. (2015), Mathematical Methods in the Applied Sciences, 38(17), 3706-3710.

Blasius flow with non-linear Rosseland thermal radiation

Pantokratoras, A. and Fang, T. G. (2014), Meccanica, 49(6), 1539-1545.

Breakup of liquid jets from non-circular orifices

Sharma, P. and Fang, T. G. (2014), Experiments in Fluids, 55(2), .

Effects of diluents on soot surface temperature and volume fraction in diluted ethylene diffusion flames at pressure

Kailasanathan, R. K. A. and Zhang, J. and Fang, T. G. and Roberts, W. L. (2014), Combustion Science and Technology, 186(6), 815-828.

Flow and mass transfer for an unsteady stagnation-point flow over a moving wall considering blowing effects

Fang, T. G. (2014), Journal of Fluids Engineering-Transactions of the ASME, 136(7), .

Flow, heat, and species transfer over a stretching plate considering coupled Stefan blowing effects from species transfer

Fang, T. G. and Jing, W. (2014), Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, 19(9), 3086-3097.

Magnetohydrodynamic viscous flow over a nonlinearly moving surface: Closed-form solutions

Fang, T. G. (2014), European physical journal plus, 129(5), .

Multi-objective design optimization of a variable geometry spray fuel injector

Archer, J. R. and Fang, T. G. and Ferguson, S. and Buckner, G. D. (2014), Journal of Mechanical Design (New York, N.Y. : 1990), 136(4), .

Self-similar flow due to the stretching of a deformable fiber

Fang, T. G. and El-Mistikawy, T. M. A. (2014), European physical journal plus, 129(11), .

Soot measurements for diesel and biodiesel spray combustion under high temperature highly diluted ambient conditions

Zhang, J. and Jing, W. and Roberts, W. L. and Fang, T. (2014), Fuel , 135(), 340-351.

Soot measurements for diesel and biodiesel spray combustion under high temperature highly diluted ambient conditions (vol 135, pg 340, 2014)

Zhang, J. and Jing, W. and Roberts, W. L. and Fang, T. G. (2014), Fuel , 137(), 413-413.

Closed-form analytical solutions of flow and heat transfer for an unsteady rear stagnation-point flow

Fang, T. G. and Jing, W. (2013), International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 62(), 55-62.

Effect of diluents on soot precursor formation and temperature in ethylene laminar diffusion flames

Kailasanathan, R. K. A. and Yelverton, T. L. B. and Fang, T. G. and Roberts, W. L. (2013), Combustion and Flame, 160(3), 656-670.

Effects of ambient oxygen concentration on biodiesel and diesel spray combustion under simulated engine conditions

Zhang, J. and Jing, W. and Roberts, W. L. and Fang, T. G. (2013), Energy (Oxford, England), 57(), 722-732.

Effects of ambient temperature and oxygen concentration on diesel spray combustion using a single-nozzle injector in a constant volume combustion chamber

Jing, W. and Roberts, W. L. and Fang, T. G. (2013), Combustion Science and Technology, 185(9), 1378-1399.

Hydrocarbon species concentrations in nitrogen diluted ethylene-air laminar jet diffusion flames at elevated pressures

Kailasanathan, R. K. A. and Book, E. K. and Fang, T. G. and Roberts, W. L. (2013), Proceedings of the Combustion Institute, 34(), 1035-1043.

Note on a new blackbody fraction function used for surfaces with a linear emissivity in a wavelength interval

Jing, W. and Fang, T. G. (2013), Journal of Heat Transfer, 135(5), .

Sakiadis flow with nonlinear Rosseland thermal radiation

Pantokratoras, A. and Fang, T. G. (2013), Physica Scripta [Topical Issues], 87(1), .

Soot temperature and KL factor for biodiesel and diesel spray combustion in a constant volume combustion chamber

Zhang, J. and Jing, W. and Roberts, W. L. and Fang, T. G. (2013), Applied Energy, 107(), 52-65.

Spray and atomization of diesel fuel and its alternatives from a single-hole injector using a common rail fuel injection system

Chen, P. C. and Wang, W. C. and Roberts, W. L. and Fang, T. G. (2013), Fuel , 103(), 850-861.

Spray characteristics of a swirl atomiser in trigger sprayers using water-ethanol mixtures

Yao, S. S. and Fang, T. G. (2013), Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering, 91(7), 1312-1324.

Analytical solutions of laminar swirl decay in a straight pipe

Yao, S. S. and Fang, T. G. (2012), Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, 17(8), 3235-3246.

Comments on "Analytic heat and mass transfer of the mixed hydrodynamic/thermal slip MHD viscous flow over a stretching sheet, International Journal of Mechanical Sciences 53 (2011) 886-896, by M. Turkyilmazoglu"

Fang, T. G. (2012), International Journal of Mechanical Sciences, 55(1), 129-129.

Effect of viscosities on structure and instability of sprays from a swirl atomizer

Yao, S. S. and Zhang, J. and Fang, T. G. (2012), Experimental Thermal and Fluid Science, 39(), 158-166.

High speed imaging of OH* chemiluminescence and natural luminosity of low temperature diesel spray combustion

Zhang, J. and Jing, W. and Fang, T. G. (2012), Fuel , 99(), 226-234.

Momentum and heat transfer of the Falkner-Skan flow with algebraic decay: An analytical solution

Fang, T. G. and Yao, S. S. and Zhang, J. and Zhong, Y. F. and Tao, H. (2012), Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, 17(6), 2476-2488.

Non-Newtonian power-law fluid flow over a shrinking sheet

Fang, T. G. and Tao, H. and Zhong, Y. F. (2012), Chinese Physics Letters, 29(11), .

Note on the unsteady mixed boundary layer in a porous medium with temperature slip: Exact solutions

Fang, T. G. and Tao, H. and Zhong, Y. F. (2012), Transport in Porous Media, 94(1), 189-196.

Note on unsteady viscous flow on the outside of an expanding or contracting cylinder

Fang, T. G. and Zhang, J. and Zhong, Y. F. (2012), Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, 17(8), 3124-3128.

Reply to "Comment on "Unsteady stagnation-point flow over a plate moving along the direction of flow impingement" by Y. Zhong and T. Fang, Int. J. Heat MassTransfer 54 (2011)3103-3108"

Fang, T. G. and Zhong, Y. F. (2012), International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 55(4), 1425-1426.

Simultaneous imaging of oh star chemiluminescence and flame luminosity of diesel and biodiesel spray combustion

Zhang, J. and Fang, T. G. (2012), Proceedings of the ASME Internal Combustion Engine Division Fall Technical Conference (ICEF), (), 415-421.

Unsteady viscous flow over a rotating stretchable disk with deceleration

Fang, T. G. and Tao, H. (2012), Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, 17(12), 5064-5072.

Analytical solution of magnetohydrodynamic sink flow

Zhang, J. and Fang, T. G. and Zhong, Y. F. (2011), Applied Mathematics and Mechanics-English Edition, 32(10), 1221-1230.

Effects of thermal radiation on the boundary layer flow of a Jeffrey fluid over an exponentially stretching surface

Nadeem, S. and Zaheer, S. and Fang, T. G. (2011), Numerical Algorithms, 57(2), 187-205.

Flow and heat transfer over a generalized stretching/shrinking wall problem-Exact solutions of the Navier-Stokes equations

Fang, T. G. and Yao, S. S. and Pop, L. (2011), International Journal of Non-linear Mechanics, 46(9), 1116-1127.

Heat transfer of a generalized stretching/shrinking wall problem with convective boundary conditions

Yao, S. S. and Fang, T. G. and Zhong, Y. F. (2011), Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, 16(2), 752-760.

Hysteretic neural network modeling of spring-coupled piezoelectric actuators

Lien, J. P. and Fang, T. G. and Buckner, G. D. (2011), Smart Materials & Structures, 20(6), .

Low sooting combustion of narrow-angle wall-guided sprays in an HSDI diesel engine with retarded injection timings

Fang, T. and Lee, C. F. F. (2011), Fuel (London, England), 90(4), 1449-1456.

Note on the heat transfer of flows over a stretching wall in porous media: Exact solutions

Fang, T. G. and Zhang, J. (2011), Transport in Porous Media, 86(2), 609-614.

Thermal analysis of an annular fin with (a) simultaneously imposed base temperature and base heat flux and (b) fixed base and tip temperatures

Aziz, A. and Fang, T. G. (2011), Energy Conversion and Management, 52(7), 2467-2478.

Unsteady stagnation-point flow over a plate moving along the direction of flow impingement

Zhong, Y. F. and Fang, T. G. (2011), International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 54(15-16), 3103-3108.

Unsteady viscous flow over an expanding stretching cylinder

Fang, T. G. and Zhang, J. and Zhong, Y. F. and Tao, H. (2011), Chinese Physics Letters, 28(12), .

Viscous swirling flow over a stretching cylinder

Fang, T. G. and Yao, S. S. (2011), Chinese Physics Letters, 28(11), .

A note on the Blasius and Sakiadis flow of a non-Newtonian power-law fluid in a constant transverse magnetic field

Pantokratoras, A. and Fang, T. G. (2011), Acta Mechanica, 218(1-2), 187-194.

An adsorption air conditioning system to integrate with the recent development of emission control for heavy-duty vehicles

Zhong, Y. F. and Fang, T. G. and Wert, K. L. (2011), Energy (Oxford, England), 36(7), 4125-4135.

An experimental study on gasoline direct-injection spray and atomization characteristics of alcohol fuels and isooctane

Zhang, J. and Yao, S. S. and Patel, H. and Fang, T. G. (2011), Atomization and Sprays, 21(5), 363-374.

The boundary layers of an unsteady incompressible stagnation-point flow with mass transfer

Fang, T. G. and Lee, C. F. F. and Zhang, J. (2011), International Journal of Non-linear Mechanics, 46(7), 942-948.

Alternative solutions for longitudinal fins of rectangular, trapezoidal, and concave parabolic profiles

Aziz, A. and Fang, T. G. (2010), Energy Conversion and Management, 51(11), 2188-2194.

Flow adjacent to a flat plate in a darcy-brinkman porous medium oscillating with arbitrary periodic oscillation

Pantokratoras, A. and Fang, T. G. (2010), Journal of Porous Media, 13(8), 759-763.

Flow of a weakly conducting fluid in a channel filled with a darcy-brinkman-forchheimer porous medium

Zhao, B. Q. and Pantokratoras, A. and Fang, T. G. and Liao, S. J. (2010), Transport in Porous Media, 85(1), 131-142.

Modeling piezoelectric actuators with hysteretic recurrent neural networks

Lien, J. P. and York, A. and Fang, T. G. and Buckner, G. D. (2010), Sensors and Actuators. A, Physical, 163(2), 516-525.

Slip magnetohydrodynamic viscous flow over a permeable shrinking sheet

Fang, T. G. and Zhang, J. and Yao, S. S. (2010), Chinese Physics Letters, 27(12), .

Viscous flow over a shrinking sheet with a second order slip flow model

Fang, T. G. and Yao, S. S. and Zhang, J. and Aziz, A. (2010), Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, 15(7), 1831-1842.

Viscous flow over a shrinking sheet with an arbitrary surface velocity

Fang, T. G. and Zhong, Y. F. (2010), Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, 15(12), 3768-3776.

Viscous flow with second-order slip velocity over a stretching sheet

Fang, T. G. and Aziz, A. (2010), Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung. A, Journal of Physical Sciences, 65(12), 1087-1092.

cox regression in nested case-control studies with auxiliary covariates

Pantokratoras, A. and Fang, T. G. (2010), Transport in Porous Media, 83(3), 667-676.

A new family of unsteady boundary layers over a stretching surface

Fang, T. G. and Zhang, J. and Yao, S. S. (2010), Applied Mathematics and Computation, 217(8), 3747-3755.

Air-fuel mixing and combustion in a small-bore direct injection optically accessible diesel engine using a retarded single injection strategy

Fang, T. G. and Coverdill, R. E. and Lee, C. F. F. and White, R. A. (2009), Fuel (London, England), 88(11), 2074-2082.

Bio-diesel effects on combustion processes in an HSDI diesel engine using advanced injection strategies

Fang, T. G. and Lee, C. F. F. (2009), Proceedings of the Combustion Institute, 32(), 2785-2792.

Biodiesel combustion in an optical HSDI diesel engine under low load premixed combustion conditions

Fang, T. and Lin, Y. C. and Foong, T. M. and Lee, C. F. (2009), Fuel (London, England), 88(11), 2154-2162.

Effect of the injection angle on liquid spray development in a high-speed direct-injection optical diesel engine

Fang, T. G. and Coverdill, R. E. and Lee, C. F. F. and White, R. A. (2009), Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part D, Journal of Automobile Engineering, 223(D8), 1077-1092.

Influence of injection parameters on the transition from PCCI combustion to diffusion combustion in a small-bore HSDI diesel engine

Fang, T. and Coverdill, R. E. and Lee, C. F. F. and White, R. A. (2009), International Journal of Automotive Technology, 10(3), 285-295.

Low-temperature combustion within a HSDI eiesel engine using multiple-injection strategies

Fang, T. G. and Coverdill, R. E. and Lee, C. F. F. and White, R. A. (2009), Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power, 131(6), .

Slip MHD viscous flow over a stretching sheet: An exact solution

Fang, T. G. and Zhang, J. and Yao, S. S. (2009), Communications in Nonlinear Science and Numerical Simulation, 14(11), 3731-3737.

Three-dimensional wall-bounded laminar boundary layer with span-wise cross free stream and moving boundary

Fang, T. G. and Lee, C. F. F. (2009), Acta Mechanica, 204(3-4), 235-248.

Viscous flow over an unsteady shrinking sheet with mass transfer

Fang, T. G. and Zhang, J. and Yao, S. S. (2009), Chinese Physics Letters, 26(1), .

Boundary layer flow over a shrinking sheet with power-law velocity

Fang, T. (2008), International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 51(25-26), 5838-5843.

Characterization of particle size distribution from diesel engines fueled with palm-biodiesel blends and paraffinic fuel blends

Lin, Y. C. and Lee, C. F. and Fang, T. (2008), Atmospheric Environment, 42(6), 1133-1143.

Effects of injection angles on combustion processes using multiple injection strategies in an HSDI diesel engine

Fang, T. and Coverdill, R. E. and Lee, C. F. F. and White, R. A. (2008), Fuel (London, England), 87(15-16), 3232-3239.

Energy absorption heating and ignition of energetic solids

Fang, T. (2008), Journal of Thermophysics and Heat Transfer, 22(2), 313-315.

Flow and heat transfer characteristics of the boundary layers over a stretching surface with a uniform-shear free stream

Fang, T. (2008), International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 51(9-10), 2199-2213.

Flow between two stretchable disks: An exact solution of the Navier-Stokes equations

Fang, T. G. and Zhang, J. (2008), International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, 35(8), 892-895.

Low temperature premixed combustion within a small bore high speed direct injection (HSDI) optically accessible diesel engine using a retarded single injection

Fang, T. and Coverdill, R. E. and Lee, C. F. F. and White, R. A. (2008), International Journal of Automotive Technology, 9(5), 551-561.

Low-sooting combustion in a small-bore high-speed direct-injection diesel engine using narrow-angle injectors

Fang, T. G. and Coverdill, R. E. and Lee, C. F. F. and While, R. A. (2008), Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part D, Journal of Automobile Engineering, 222(D10), 1927-1937.

Reducing NOx emissions from a biodiesel-fueled engine by use of low-temperature combustion

Fang, T. and Lin, Y. C. and Foong, T. M. and Lee, C. F. (2008), Environmental Science & Technology, 42(23), 8865-8870.

A new solution branch for the Blasius equation-A shrinking sheet problem

Fang, T. G. and Liang, W. and Lee, C. F. F. (2008), Computers & Mathematics With Applications, 56(12), 3088-3095.

A note on the unsteady boundary layers over a flat plate

Fang, T. G. (2008), International Journal of Non-linear Mechanics, 43(9), 1007-1011.

An exact analytical solution of the Falkner-Skan equation with mass transfer and wall stretching

Fang, T. G. and Zhang, J. (2008), International Journal of Non-linear Mechanics, 43(9), 1000-1006.

Flow over a stretchable disk

Fang, T. (2007), Physics of Fluids (Woodbury, N.Y.), 19(12), .

View all publications via NC State Libraries

Grants

Physical Characteristics of Spatter Stains on Textiles: Influence of Impact Surface Texture, Blood Drop Volume and Blood Drop Velocity

National Institute of Justice(1/01/19 - 12/31/20)

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Physical Characteristics of Spatter Stains on Textiles: Influence of Impact Surface Texture, Blood Drop Volume and Blood Drop Velocity

Sponsor: National Institute of Justice

Start Date: 1/01/19

End Date: 12/31/20

Abstract

Bloodstains are frequently observed at violent crime scenes. These may include stains created from dripping blood, impact of blood with an object, gunshots, and so forth. The analysis of such stains provide valuable information for determining potential methods of creating these stains, which can assist investigators in determining what happened and whether witness statements are consistent with the findings. For many bloodstains, the methods for analyzing them are well documented. However, when the stains occur on textiles, the stains are often altered by the textile itself. When these stains are due to impact spatter, it have proven very difficult to interpret these patterns when found on textiles. This proposal attempts to address this by using fuel injectors with high-speed video to create and track the evolution for single drops impacting onto textile substrates. Subsequent analysis via image processing will characterize the stain evolution on and in the textile substrate.

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MODULAR CONVERSION OF STRANDED ETHANE TO LIQUID FUELS

US Dept. of Energy (DOE) - Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)(1/01/18 - 12/31/18)

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MODULAR CONVERSION OF STRANDED ETHANE TO LIQUID FUELS

Sponsor: US Dept. of Energy (DOE) - Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy (EERE)

Start Date: 1/01/18

End Date: 12/31/18

Abstract

“Wet” components of shale gas (i.e. hydrocarbons heavier than methane) are imposing new challenges to natural-gas producers and service companies. Ethane, the largest wet component, can represent up to 20 vol. % of shale gas, far exceeding the of 10 vol.% maximum typically allowed for “pipeline-quality” natural gas. Each year, over 210 million barrels (liquid equivalent) of ethane are rejected in the lower 48 states alone. A promising approach to solving this glut is upgrading this low- to negative-value ethane and other natural gas liquids (NGLs) to easily transportable liquid fuels. However, the key to the process economics is development of modular systems that can operate economically at stranded sites. Conventional gas-to-liquids (GTL) technologies face significant challenges in high capital cost and limited energy conversion efficiency, resulting from their complex unit operations including reforming, air separation (for partial oxidation), Fischer-Tropsch (F-T), and product upgrading operations. These challenges can be particularly problematic for small-scale GTL systems. This project aims to demonstrate a fundamentally different modular GTL concept to convert ethane and NGLs to gasoline with 90% capital cost savings and up to 80% reduction in energy demand (for ethane conversion). The proposed modular ethane to liquids (M-ETL) concept uses a modular Chemical-Looping Oxidative Dehydrogenation (CL-ODH) system to convert ethane and NGLs efficiently into olefins (primarily ethylene) via cyclic redox reactions of highly effective oxygen carrier/redox-catalyst particles. The resulting olefins are subsequently converted into synthetic gasoline via oligomerization. The use of advanced reaction and reactive-separation methods eliminates cryogenic air separation and reaction equilibrium limitations (for olefin formation). It also simplifies the process scheme and reduces energy requirements.

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DURIP: Pre-heating Constant Volume Combustion Chamber System for Characterization of Spray Compression-Ignition Combustion

US Dept. of Defense (DOD)(9/14/18 - 9/13/19)

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DURIP: Pre-heating Constant Volume Combustion Chamber System for Characterization of Spray Compression-Ignition Combustion

Sponsor: US Dept. of Defense (DOD)

Start Date: 9/14/18

End Date: 9/13/19

Abstract

A pre-heating constant volume combustion chamber (PHCVCC) system capable of providing compression-ignition conditions similar to the compression-stroke of diesel engines in controlled environments is proposed to be purchased and installed at the Spray and Engine Diagnostics Laboratory (SEDL), Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering of the North Caroline State University. The PHCVCC system is a versatile tool to investigate diesel spray auto-ignition and combustion under high pressure and high temperature environments. The objective of this equipment proposal is to acquire a commercial pre-heating constant volume combustion chamber system, establishing the unprecedented capability at NCSU for extensive characterization of liquid fuel ignition and combustion under precisely controlled environments.

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Supercritical Spray For Dual Fuel Combustion

University Global Partnership Network (UGPN)(8/01/17 - 7/31/18)

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Supercritical Spray For Dual Fuel Combustion

Sponsor: University Global Partnership Network (UGPN)

Start Date: 8/01/17

End Date: 7/31/18

Abstract

This project aims to establish and consolidate a collaboration that allows the researchers from the UPGN partners to conduct a preliminary research on a novel dual-fuel supercritical fuel injection concept. This concept addresses the most important challenge in diesel engine industry and could greatly reduce the diesel engine pollutant emissions, improve the fuel efficiency, and effectively utilize alternative fuels thus reducing overall carbon emissions. The research will be undertaken in a collaborative way by academics with complementary expertise and skills and the tasks include both experimental investigations and numerical modelling.

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Spray Characterization for a Gasoline Direct Injection Fuel Injector

King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)(2/16/16 - 8/15/16)

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Spray Characterization for a Gasoline Direct Injection Fuel Injector

Sponsor: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST)

Start Date: 2/16/16

End Date: 8/15/16

Abstract

This project is to characterize the spray of a gasoline direct injection (GDI) fuel injector under specified ambient temperature and pressure. The measurements will be conducted in a constant volume spray chamber. Measurements will include high-speed imaging of spray penetration, spray angle, and droplet size under different conditions.

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Use of North Carolina Biomass Resources for Production of Fuels and Materials

NC Biotechnology Center(1/01/16 - 6/30/17)

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Use of North Carolina Biomass Resources for Production of Fuels and Materials

Sponsor: NC Biotechnology Center

Start Date: 1/01/16

End Date: 6/30/17

Abstract

Fast pyrolysis (~500°C, ~1 second, inert environment) is a promising method that can be used to transform lignocellulosic biomass into crude bio-oil, which is potentially compatible in a petroleum refinery. This flexible process has been applied to many types of biomass, including forest resources, agricultural residue, and industrial residue, and used to produce fuels and chemicals. While fast pyrolysis can produce a high bio-oil yield, several challenges remain before the bio-oil can be utilized as a value-added product. The crude bio-oil cannot be used in its original form due to its high acidity, low thermal stability, and high viscosity. For example, bio-oil can polymerize during storage or when heated which causes problems with handling and prevents effective combustion. The reasons for this instability are complex, but these changes are due in part to the presence of highly oxygenated and high molecular-weight compounds. Deoxygenation can be effective for improving stability, and lowering acidity but these processes are expensive and result in a significant loss in yield. Fast pyrolysis of biomass with a high ash content generally lowers the overall yield of bio-oil, but also lowers the oxygen content of the bio-oil, improving its stability. The high ash content biomass also has a lower feedstock cost. The high ash content produces a higher char fraction, which can be used process energy or for materials applications. The solution proposed here is to use commercial diesel oil to ‘extract’ the bio-oil to produce a stand, value-added fraction. The remaining bio-oil fraction can be used as a fuel oil substitute. The char materials can be used for process energy or potentially “activated” to create an activated carbon sorbent material. We will produce bio-oils from common North Carolina feedstocks, which will vary in cost, ash content and biomass composition, and also vary the pyrolysis and extraction conditions to produce a bio-oil blending fuel for diesel engines and direct firing in a furnace. The detail chemistry of various bio-oils will be analyzed by high resolution mass spectrometry (MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and these chemical details will be correlated with combustion characteristics measured by engine and furnace burner test Criteria for a go/no go decision from a technology perspective includes: • Bio-oil production with w/w yield higher than 60%. • Bio-oil miscibility in diesel for more than 20% • Use of feedstock rich in ash content with low delivered cost • IRR of the investment higher than 12% using historical diesel average prices

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Evaluation of Locomotive Emissions Reduction Strategies

NC Department of Transportation(8/16/15 - 12/31/17)

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Evaluation of Locomotive Emissions Reduction Strategies

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/16/15

End Date: 12/31/17

Abstract

The key objectives are: (a) to assess baseline fuel use and emission rates (FUER) for prime mover engines (PME) and head end power (HEP) engines for ultra low sulfur diesel (ULSD) fuel; (b) to assess FUER for the newer C15 versus older C18 HEPs to evaluate the effectiveness of Tier 3 (or higher) versus Tier 2 nonroad emission standards; (c) to assess the operational impact of exhaust after treatment systems (EATS) on FUER; (d) to assess the effect of biofuel, and possibly also CNG (depending on availability), on FUER of the newly acquired locomotives; (e) to assess inter-run variability in duty cycles with regard to impact on FUER; and (f) to assess the joint and interactive effect of operational practices, fuels, and EATS on FUER. The key tasks to support these objectives include: (1) development of a detailed study design and preparation for measurements; (2) rail yard (RY) measurements of PMEs and HEPs; (3) over-the-rail (OTR) measurements of PMEs; (4) quantification of the effect of engine technology and EATS on FUER; (5) quantification of the effect of operations; (6) quantification of the effect of fuels; and (7) evaluation of the interactive effect of fuel and emission management strategies and their implications

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Laser Ultrasound Patch Using Carbon Nanofiber Composites

NCSU Research and Innovation Seed Funding Program(7/01/15 - 6/30/16)

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Laser Ultrasound Patch Using Carbon Nanofiber Composites

Sponsor: NCSU Research and Innovation Seed Funding Program

Start Date: 7/01/15

End Date: 6/30/16

Abstract

Unlike the conventional ultrasound transducers with cables, the proposed laser ultrasound is wireless and capable of unprecedentedly remote delivery of ultrasound energy for drug delivery, therapy, and health monitoring of biological and industrial structures. The specific goal of the proposed work is to investigate the carbon nanofiber composites and the associated laser-ultrasound patch (LUP) for ultrasound generation and detections. Specific tasks include: 1) laser ultrasound transduction mechanism study and the LUP transducer design; 2) Fabrication of carbon nanofibers (CNF) with desired optical, thermal and elastic properties and CNF/polymer composite fabrication; 3) CNF characterization, CNF/polymer composite characterization and LUP acoustic characterization; 4) Laser ultrasound tests for drug delivery, thrombolysis, and non-destructive evaluation. This is a truly multidisciplinary research, preliminary data collected under this project will strengthen our future proposals on using laser ultrasound for minimal invasive surgery, drug delivery and wearable electronics to NSF, NIH, DOE and DOD.

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Experimental Validation of Variable Geometry Spray Fuel Injection Technology

Chancellor's Innovation Fund (CIF)(7/01/14 - 12/30/15)

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Experimental Validation of Variable Geometry Spray Fuel Injection Technology

Sponsor: Chancellor's Innovation Fund (CIF)

Start Date: 7/01/14

End Date: 12/30/15

Abstract

American automobiles consume 365.7 million gallons of gasoline per day, and international demand for fuel is increasing at a staggering rate. Although revolutionary technologies are on the horizon, improvements to existing engines have the potential to improve efficiency and reduce emissions now, while providing benefits far into the future. Introducing even modest improvements (5-10%) in the efficiency of internal combustion engines has the potential to save millions of gallons of fuel per day with reduced emissions. One technology with the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of internal combustion engines while simultaneously reducing emissions is variable-geometry spray (VGS) fuel injection. This patent-pending technology enables independent control of fuel flow rate and spray geometry as it enters the combustion chamber. With very limited R&D resources, the investigators have developed three generations of VGS fuel injector prototypes, and preliminary results demonstrate device functionality with low-pressure non-combustible fluids. This VGS injection technology contains novel features which promise improvements over existing injection methods: dual computer-controlled actuators which regulate spray geometry and fuel flow rate independently and continuously throughout the injection process. Due to the uniqueness and commercial potential of this technology, patent applications have been filed through N.C. State’s Office of Technology Transfer (International Application #: PCT/US2009/030707, US Application #: US 2011/0005499 A1). This proposal seeks Chancellor’s Innovation Funding to support the fabrication and testing of VGS fuel injector prototypes in an internal combustion engine to validate the device's performance and enhance opportunities for licensing the technology.

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Reactive Supersonic Diesel Jets Under Extreme High Injection Pressure

National Science Foundation (NSF)(8/01/14 - 1/31/16)

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Reactive Supersonic Diesel Jets Under Extreme High Injection Pressure

Sponsor: National Science Foundation (NSF)

Start Date: 8/01/14

End Date: 1/31/16

Abstract

High-speed (supersonic) liquid jets have wide applications in engineering for propulsion and power generation. The underlying hypothesis for this proposal is that under supersonic conditions shock waves are induced around liquid jets leading to significant enhancement in the atomization, mixing, ignition, and combustion. We propose to study a transient supersonic diesel jet under injection pressures of up to 1,000 MPa. The goals are to exploit the induced shock waves during liquid penetration, identify their effects on atomization, mixing, and combustion, and determine the effectiveness of extreme high injection pressures in mixing and combustion enhancement. Specifically, in this proposal, we will: a) study the liquid penetration, breakup, and interaction with the induced shock waves; b) study the influence of shock waves on the liquid atomization and the mixing with ambient air; c) study the influence of shock waves on ignition and combustion development; and d) gather fundamental knowledge pertaining to supersonic liquid jet with controllable dispensing pressures up to 1,000 MPa that can be disseminated to designers and developers of highly efficient, high power density, and clean next-generation internal combustion engines. Successful application of this phenomenon in internal combustion engines will lead to breakthroughs in engine design, allowing significant reductions in fuel consumption, thereby diminishing our dependence on foreign oil and reducing pollutant emissions.

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