University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignUnited States
Tonghun Lee is the Bei Tse Chao and May Chao Professor in Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, with affiliations to the Materials Research Lab and Aerospace Engineering. His research focuses on combustion dynamics, hypersonic propulsion, thermal management, and sustainable fuels. Key areas include ignition mechanisms, supersonic combustion flowpaths, and optical diagnostics for high-speed systems. Education: PhD in Mechanical Engineering (assumed based on faculty role). Research Interests: Combustion engineering, fluid dynamics, aerospace propulsion systems, thermal-mechanical stress analysis, and sustainable aviation fuels. His work integrates computational modeling (CFD, FEA) with experimental techniques like laser spectroscopy and high-speed imaging. Recent Trends: Articles emphasize oxygen-enhanced combustion, scramjet flowpath optimization, and biofuel combustion characterization. He explores novel ignition assist devices and materials for extreme environments. Awards: ASME Fellow (2020). Grants/Advising: Collaborates on emergency ventilator prototypes (2020) and federal energy projects (not detailed). Labs/Teams: Leads research in combustion diagnostics and propulsion systems within the Mechanical Science and Engineering Department.
Dr. Seong-Young Lee is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Michigan Technological University, College of Engineering. His research focuses on experimental and computational studies of turbulent and spray combustion, with applications in energy, environment, and aerospace systems. He employs advanced laser diagnostics and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to investigate combustion dynamics, soot emissions, and alternative fuel technologies. Expertise in spray combustion, soot formation, and laser diagnostics Active in combustion instability and plasma-assisted combustion research Develops surrogate fuel chemistry models for CFD simulations Dr. Lee’s publications emphasize high-pressure diesel/gasoline spray analysis, flame propagation, and emission control strategies. His work spans experimental validation of CFD models, droplet-wall interactions, and formaldehyde formation in reacting sprays, with recent studies on methane laminar flame speed and micrometer-scale droplet dynamics.
Lt Col Brian T. Bohan, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Engineering at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), part of Air University at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. He is affiliated with the Department of Aeronautical Engineering within the Graduate School of Engineering and Management. His work bridges academic research and military aerospace applications. Education: BS in Aeronautical Engineering, Clarkson University, 2005 MS in Aeronautical Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology, 2011 PhD in Aeronautical Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology, 2018 Brian T. Bohan's research focuses on advanced propulsion systems, particularly in the areas of turbomachinery, combustion, heat transfer, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) . His work explores ultra-compact combustors, turbine cooling, fluidic oscillators, and propulsion integration for military aircraft. He teaches courses in turbomachinery, CFD, and aircraft design, contributing to the education of future Air Force engineers. His recent publications highlight a strong trend in compact, high-efficiency propulsion systems, with emphasis on experimental and computational validation of novel combustor designs, flow control mechanisms, and additively manufactured components. Much of his research is conducted in collaboration with colleagues such as Dr. Mark Polanka and is published in top journals like the Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power and Journal of Fluids Engineering , as well as conferences including ASME Turbo Expo and AIAA SciTech. Professional Memberships: Tau Beta Pi Sigma Gamma Tau American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Brian T. Bohan has contributed to numerous research projects related to weapon system development, propulsion testing, and aerodynamic configuration. While formal advising roles are not explicitly listed, his co-authorship with students and junior researchers indicates active mentorship. His work often involves test and evaluation within the Air Force, supporting real-world applications of academic research. Although no named labs or research centers are mentioned, his publications suggest involvement in AFIT’s propulsion and fluid dynamics laboratories.
Dr. Marc D. Polanka is a Professor in the Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics at the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), part of the Graduate School of Engineering and Management. He holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and has a distinguished record of leadership, serving as the Faculty Council President and Faculty Advisor for the AFIT Student Section of AIAA. B.S., Mechanical Engineering, University of Dayton, 1992 M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Stanford University, 1993 Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas-Austin, 1999 Dr. Polanka's research is centered on advancing gas turbine propulsion technology, with a primary focus on combustion, heat transfer, and advanced instrumentation . He leads the Combustion Optimization And Laser (COAL) laboratory, where his team investigates cutting-edge concepts such as Rotating Detonation Engines (RDEs) and Ultra Compact Combustors for applications in APUs, afterburners, and scramjets. His work also encompasses the critical challenge of turbine film cooling under high fuel-air ratio conditions and the enhancement of small engine performance for unmanned aerial systems, including their operation at altitude and conversion to alternative fuels. His expertise extends to the aerodynamics and heat transfer of turbines, including film cooling and unsteady vane-rotor interactions. His recent publications reflect a strong and consistent research trajectory in propulsion and thermal sciences. The articles demonstrate a deep integration of experimental and computational methods to solve complex problems in combustion dynamics , film cooling effectiveness , and small engine optimization . A significant trend is the investigation of pressure gain combustion via RDEs and the development of novel diagnostic techniques for high-temperature environments. Associate Fellow of AIAA Fellow of ASME Faculty Advisor, AFIT Student Section of AIAA Review Chair, ASME IGTI conference Former Chair, ASME K-14 Gas Turbine Heat Transfer Committee Dr. Polanka has advised numerous PhD and MS students, many of whom are co-authors on his extensive publication list. His research has been supported by significant funding from the Air Force and other agencies, enabling advanced experimental facilities like the COAL lab. He has received a remarkable number of awards, including the Air Force Outstanding Science and Engineering Educator Award (2019) , the ASME IGTI Outstanding Service Award (2020) , and multiple first-place awards from AIAA for section leadership and service. Dr. Polanka leads the Combustion Optimization And Laser (COAL) laboratory, a state-of-the-art research facility dedicated to experimental combustion and heat transfer. The lab is the hub for his work on RDEs, ultra-compact combustors, and advanced turbine cooling, fostering a collaborative team of graduate students and researchers who are at the forefront of aerospace propulsion research.
Abraham Engeda is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Michigan State University's College of Engineering. His research focuses on supercritical CO2 power generation, turbomachinery design, and low-head turbine systems. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Hannover (1987), M.Sc. from the University of Manchester (1974), and B.Sc. from the University of Brighton (1973). Research Interests: Experimental and numerical analysis of centrifugal compressors and radial turbines Design methodologies for low-head hydraulic turbines CFD prediction and optimization of turbomachinery components Integration of solar-biogas hybrid systems for power generation Awards: Fellow, American Society of Mechanical Engineers ASME Fluid Machinery Award & Medal Fulbright Senior Global Award Labs/Teams: Co-leads the Turbomachinery Laboratory, focused on centrifugal compressor design and testing. Facilities include industrial-scale test stands, CFD workstations, and advanced data acquisition systems. Collaborates with industry partners like Elliott Company and NASA. Grants: Supported by U.S. Department of Energy, NASA, and private sector funding.
Alex Novoselov serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Utah's College of Engineering, specializing in combustion dynamics and sustainable energy systems. His research encompasses: Hydrogen and ammonia combustion for decarbonization Turbulent boundary layer flashback phenomena Deflagration to detonation transition (DDT) Hybrid rocket propulsion systems Cool flame dynamics and low-temperature combustion Recent publications (2020-2025) reveal a strong computational focus using Large Eddy Simulation and manifold-based reduced-order models to address safety challenges in gas turbines and rocket engines. His work increasingly investigates ammonia/hydrogen blends as sustainable aviation fuels while maintaining core expertise in flashback dynamics. Dr. Novoselov mentors undergraduate researchers through the Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR), emphasizing project relevance, achievable milestones, and presentation skill development. His NSF CAREER award supports fundamental research on lean hydrogen flame stability in gas turbines. His computational research group develops advanced simulation frameworks for complex reacting flows, contributing to next-generation propulsion and power generation technologies.
James Mayhew serves as Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, specializing in aerospace engineering, wind tunnel testing, fluid mechanics, heat transfer, and thermodynamics. His 13-year US Air Force career included aircraft/engine research, development, logistics, and teaching aeronautics at the Air Force Academy. Academic credentials: PhD, Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Davis (1999) MS, Air Force Institute of Technology (1989) BS, Syracuse University (1985) Research focuses on experimental thermal-fluid sciences with emphasis on gas turbine heat transfer , wind tunnel validation , and uncertainty analysis . His work bridges aerospace propulsion systems and fundamental fluid dynamics, particularly in film-cooled turbine applications. Publications reveal dual expertise in engineering education innovation (2022 online outreach program) and foundational thermal research (2013 convective heat transfer study), demonstrating consistent contributions to both pedagogy and aerospace engineering. Professional recognition: Dean's Outstanding Teacher Award, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology (2011) His Air Force research experience informs current academic mentorship, though specific grant details remain undisclosed. Teaching excellence in aerodynamics, propulsion, and thermodynamics reflects deep industry-academia integration. Research likely utilizes Rose-Hulman's mechanical engineering laboratories for wind tunnel testing and thermal-fluid experiments, though specific lab affiliations aren't documented in source materials.
Noah Van Dam is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Department at the Francis College of Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell. He joined UMass Lowell in Fall 2018 after completing his Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2015 and working as a postdoc at Argonne National Laboratory. His educational background includes: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from University of Wisconsin-Madison (2015) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Iowa State University of Science and Technology Professor Van Dam's research focuses on high-fidelity modeling of multiphase and reacting flows, with particular emphasis on verification, validation and uncertainty quantification techniques for computational fluid dynamics models. His work spans multiple applications including internal combustion engines, gas turbines, aerospace propulsion systems, and energy generation processes. Key research areas include: Multi-phase/reacting flows Combustion modeling Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Lagrangian-Eulerian methods Verification, validation, uncertainty quantification (VVUQ) Machine learning applications in combustion His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on alternative fuels, particularly ammonia-hydrogen blends, and their application in internal combustion engines. His work also addresses critical challenges in marine propulsion systems, thermal energy storage, and advanced numerical methods for multiphase flows. Professor Van Dam's research has significant implications for developing cleaner, more efficient energy conversion technologies. Among his notable achievements are: Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award (2015) Robert G. Sachs Award for Outstanding Poster Presentation (Third Place) (2015) DAAD RISE Professional Scholarship (2010) University Fellowship & Vilas Welcome Award (2010) Professor Van Dam has advised numerous graduate and undergraduate students on research projects related to computational fluid dynamics, combustion, and alternative fuels. His students have gone on to positions at national laboratories, research institutions, and industry. He has also secured funding from organizations including the Office of Naval Research for his work on marine burners and ammonia combustion. His research group, the Multi-phase and Reacting Flows group, actively investigates high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics modeling of complex flows with applications to energy systems. Current research directions include ammonia-hydrogen combustion, low-pressure marine burners, advanced fuel spray modeling, machine learning applications in chemical kinetics, and thermal energy storage using CO2 clathrate hydrates.
Dr. Xianchang Li serves as Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Lamar University, where he leads research in computational thermal-fluid sciences. His work bridges fundamental heat transfer and combustion principles with critical environmental applications. Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University (1999) M.S. in Thermal Engineering, Tsinghua University B.S. in Thermal Engineering, Tsinghua University Dr. Li's research focuses on three interconnected domains: gas turbine thermal management (notably backward-injection film cooling and mist-assisted techniques), industrial flare emissions optimization, and hydrodynamic water quality modeling. His gas turbine work has demonstrated up to 40% more uniform cooling coverage through innovative backward injection methods, while his flare research develops high-fidelity CFD models to simultaneously minimize black carbon and VOC emissions. The water quality modeling investigates urban stormwater systems using wireless sensor networks and hydrodynamic simulations to improve sustainability. His publication record shows consistent output in top journals like Journal of Heat Transfer , ASCE Journal of Irrigation and Drainage Engineering , and Journal of the Air & Waste Management Association , with recent work emphasizing emission reduction and sustainable water management. Lamar University Merit Award (2009) Dr. Li maintains active collaborations with Chemical Engineering (Drs. Chen and Lou), Civil Engineering (Drs. Lin and Qian), and Chemistry (Dr. Martin) faculty at Lamar University. His research group has secured funding from NSF, TCEQ, and industry partners to support 25+ graduate students across thermal-fluid, combustion, and environmental projects. Current students investigate ammonia co-firing emissions, earth pipe heat transfer, and spray cooling optimization. The research group operates advanced CFD simulation capabilities and experimental facilities for thermal-fluid investigations, with recent projects including gas turbine combustor LES modeling, mercury flux chamber design, and solar chimney ventilation systems.
