Zoom link: https://kaust.zoom.us/j/95413495137

Committee members 

Prof. Cafer Yavuz  - Committee Chair

Prof. Deanna Lacoste - Advisor

Prof. Nicholas Worth - Committee Member

Prof. Mani Sarathy - Committee Member

Prof. Thibault Guiberti - Committee Member (Co-PI)

Abstract

By combining ammonia, hydrogen, and nitrogen, a carbon-free fuel is produced that mitigates both the transportation challenges of hydrogen and the low reactivity of ammonia. This work investigates how different degrees of stratification of hydrogen and ammonia affect flame stability, emissions, and acoustics using a dual-swirl burner with central and peripheral fuel injection. Seven flame types are identified, and a stability map is developed. Central ammonia with peripheral hydrogen enhances stability. Stratification reduces NOx, though lean mixtures raise N₂O, and also helps to suppress thermoacoustic instabilities. A new chemiluminescence and machine learning tool is presented to map the flame's heat release rate, revealing heterogeneity in stratified flames and supporting future flame dynamics research.  

Biography

Daniel holds a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's degree in Naval Engineering, both from the University of São Paulo, Brazil. He has extensive experience in the petroleum industry and is currently pursuing a PhD in Mechanical engineering program in the PSE division at KAUST, where his research focuses on ammonia and hydrogen combustion for low-carbon power generation.