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Song-Charng Kong Assistant Professor 3028 Black Engineering Building kong@iastate.edu (515) 294-3244 |
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| Our research includes both experimental and numerical studies of internal combustion engines. The research has been driven by the federal emissions mandates, demands for fuel economy and durability, and the desires to explore the complex spray combustion phenomena in engines. Experimentally, we strive to optimize engine operating conditions and combustion chamber geometry to achieve low emissions and high efficiency. The present approach is to utilize the advanced fuel injection system, ultra-high injection pressure, non-traditional injector nozzle designs, and exhaust gas recirculation to achieve low temperature combustion. Our goal is to reduce particulate and gaseous emissions simultaneously while maintaining reasonable efficiency. Numerical modeling of engine spray combustion processes is also an important part of our research. We are developing high-fidelity models that feature detailed chemical kinetics with computational fluid dynamics as well as accurate numerical schemes for efficient simulation. Models are validated by in-house experimental data. The ultimate goal is to develop predictive numerical models that can be used as a tool for engine design and optimization as well as exploring the complex physics in the combustion process. In addition to conventional fuels, engine performance of using biorenewable fuels is also of our research interest. We perform engine tests and field studies to characterize engine emissions and fuel efficiency using various blends of biofuels including biodiesel, ethanol, renewable diesel, and pyrolysis oil derived from biomass. The goal is to develop fundamental understanding and strategies to adopt biofuels for engines to help achieve the bioeconomy. Graduate Assistantship AvailableWe continue to recruit qualified graduate students in engine experiments and numerical modeling. |
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