The CPC group studies conventional and alternative fuels (e.g., biofuels, synthetic fuels, etc.), so the environmental impact of combustion systems can be reduced. We take a multi-discplinary approach to combustion research, wherein expertise are gathered through an international network and applied towards solving combustion related problems. Please visit the "Collaborators" page to view some of the organizations that we work with.

A major thrust of research is simulating the combustion chemistry of transportation fuels. We develop fundamental chemical kinetic models that can be used to simulate fuel combustion and pollutant formation in energy systems. Engine designers then implement these chemical kinetic models in computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations to achieve various performance targets. In addition, we obtain data from fundamental combustion experiments using advancing diagnostic techniques to elucidate reaction pathways of combustion, and to generate experimental data needed to validate detailed chemical kinetic models.

Our research in combustion chemistry modeling includes quantum chemistry calculations, comprehensive mechanism development, combustion cyberinfrastructure development, computer generated detailed and reduced mechanisms, and simulation of multi-dimensional reacting flows. Please visit our "Research" page to view some of the projects that we are working on.