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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wicking enhancement in three-dimensional hierarchical nanostructures

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

Soot particle size measurements in ethylene diffusion flames at elevated pressures

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

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

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

Steady viscous flow between two porous disks with stretching motion

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

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

View all publications via NC State Libraries

Grants

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 - 8/15/17)

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Evaluation of Locomotive Emissions Reduction Strategies

Sponsor: NC Department of Transportation

Start Date: 8/16/15

End Date: 8/15/17

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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Spray Combustion in a Constant Volume Combustion Chamber (CVCC)

Saudi Aramco(1/15/13 - 1/14/17)

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Spray Combustion in a Constant Volume Combustion Chamber (CVCC)

Sponsor: Saudi Aramco

Start Date: 1/15/13

End Date: 1/14/17

Abstract

This is a sub-project of a collaborative effort with researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) for a fuel characterization project. Spray combustion measurements will be carried out in the Spray and Engine Diagnostics Laboratory at NC State. The goals of the experiments of spray combustion are to fundamentally investigate the mixing, ignition, and combustion of liquid spray in a typical compression-ignition engine environment.

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Testing of a Spark-Ignition Outboard Engine Burning Natural Gas

Blue Gas Marine, Inc.(8/16/12 - 8/15/13)

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Testing of a Spark-Ignition Outboard Engine Burning Natural Gas

Sponsor: Blue Gas Marine, Inc.

Start Date: 8/16/12

End Date: 8/15/13

Abstract

In this project, the PI will work together with Blue Gas Marine (BGM) to conduct research on testing a commercial out-board spark-ignition engine running on gasoline, CNG, or LNG. BGM will convert the engine to operate on natural gas. Both CNG and LNG will be used as fuels and the engine will be tested in the PI's engine research laboratory. Engine performance parameters such as torque, speed, power, and fuel consumption will be measured as well as emissions.

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Nozzle design and fluid dynamics for algal cell disruption and lipid extraction

NCSU Research and Innovation Seed Funding Program(7/01/12 - 6/30/13)

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Nozzle design and fluid dynamics for algal cell disruption and lipid extraction

Sponsor: NCSU Research and Innovation Seed Funding Program

Start Date: 7/01/12

End Date: 6/30/13

Abstract

The goal of this proposal is to foster collaboration between two junior faculty in Biological Engineering (Dr. Wayne Yuan, CALS) and Mechanical Engineering (Dr. Tiegang Fang, COE) to generate preliminary data for upcoming NSF proposals. The proposed work will focus on a grand challenge in algal biofuel production ? algal cell disruption and lipid extraction. The effect of spray nozzle design and processing conditions on algae cell disruption and lipid extraction, as well as the mechanism (fluid dynamics) of the proposed nozzle spraying system will be studied. This project integrates research in algal cell mechanics, cell-based multiparametric detection, advanced fluid dynamics, and mechanical system design. It will lead to submission of grant proposals to the CMMI and CBET divisions of NSF, and will eventually contribute to economical algal biofuel manufacturing that will greatly benefit the U.S. economy and energy security, as well as society and the environment in general.

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Clean Biodiesel Combustion in an Optically Accessible Direct Injection Diesel Engine

NCSU Faculty Research & Professional Development Fund(7/01/11 - 6/30/12)

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Clean Biodiesel Combustion in an Optically Accessible Direct Injection Diesel Engine

Sponsor: NCSU Faculty Research & Professional Development Fund

Start Date: 7/01/11

End Date: 6/30/12

Abstract

With fossil fuels becoming increasingly scarce and carbon emissions dominating the environmental discussion, internal combustion engines are an obvious target for improvement. Successful applications of innovative combustion technology in internal combustion engines will lead to transformational breakthroughs in engine design and will significantly reduce fuel consumption, thereby decreasing our dependence on foreign oil and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Compression ignition (CI) engines, which are based on the Diesel cycle, are widely used in transportation and stationary power applications. However, these engines suffer from particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions resulting from the diffusion burning of liquid fuels. Newer Tier IV emission standards pose significant challenges on them with the requirement of near-zero emissions of PM and NOx. In addition, due to the depletion of crude oil resources, renewable alternative fuels, such as biodiesel, become more important in maintaining energy security and alleviating foreign oil dependence. These bio-based renewable fuels are generally oxygenated with fuel-bonded oxygen. The clean burning of both the fossil fuels and these renewable fuels requires fundamental understanding of spray combustion in diesel engine environments. Different from previous approaches, this project will investigate and seek to understand clean spray combustion with a much wider scope. Lowering flame temperature by controlling airside oxygen concentration has been proven effective in reducing PM and NOx. Meanwhile, studies in oxygenated fuels, e.g. biodiesel, in CI engines show strong correlations between fuel-bonded oxygen and engine emissions. There is no doubt that oxygen contents from both the airside and the fuelside play crucial roles in controlling the spray combustion process. However, previous studies generally focused on only one side of the problem, either on airside oxygen or on fuelside oxygen. The fundamentals of the involved physical and chemical processes are not sufficiently understood. The PI is proposing a thorough investigation of the fundamentals of clean spray combustion to study the effects of both oxygen sources with a broad range of fossil and renewable fuels.

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