Zoom link: https://kaust.zoom.us/j/97739148118

Committee:

• Advisor: Prof. Deanna Lacoste
• Committee chair: Prof. Javier Ruiz Martinez
• In-program examiner:  Prof. Bassam Dally
• External examiner: Prof. Nicolas Noiray (ETH Zurich, Switzerland)

Abstract

Plasma offers a promising path towards cleaner and more reliable energy systems by improving flame stability, especially in lean and carbon-free fuels combustion. This dissertation explores how non-equilibrium plasma produced by nanosecond repetitively pulsed (NRP) glow discharges influence combustion and enhance its stability. The obtained findings improve the understanding of how NRP glow discharges stabilize flames, and provide new experimental data critical for developing predictive plasma-assisted combustion models and support the advancement of plasma-assisted strategies in future low-emission combustion systems. 

Bio

Ammar Alkhalifa is a PhD candidate in the Mechanical Engineering program in the PSE division, working at the Clean Energy Research Platform in the group of Prof. Deanna Lacoste. His research focuses on plasma-assisted combustion. He joined KAUST in 2020 where he obtained his Masters degree before starting his PhD. He also obtained his Bachelor degree from Oregon State University in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on Aerospace Engineering.