Student Bios
Alumni











 

  
Our Alumni
 
Aristotelis Babajimopoulos
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2005
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, 1998

Project
Effect of Gas Exchange Processes and Mixing on Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition

Research Interests
IC Engine Modeling, Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition.
Brian Baldwin

Stani Bohac
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2003
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois, 1995
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois, 1993

Project
Reduction of Spark-Ignition Engine Hydrocarbon Emissions and the Associated Local Ozone Production through Variable Exhaust Valve Timing

Research Interests
Emissions, combustion, exhaust gas aftertreatment, variable valve actuation, heat transfer and friction.

Steve Busch
B.Sc., Colorado School of Mines in Engineering, 2004

Research Interests
Transient diesel combustion Diesel exhaust aftertreatment.

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Selim Buyuktur

Project
Fuel Cell System Modeling and Integration into Vehicle Simulation
- Development of steady-state and transient fuel cell stack models based on the appropriate physical phenomenons. Implementation of the models into vehicle simulation software to simulate both fuel cell only and fuel cell-battery hybrid vehicles.
Junseok Chang
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2004
M.S.Mechanical Engineering, Seoul University, Seoul, Korea, 1999
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, YeungNam University, Taegu, Korea, 1997

Project
Gasoline Direct Injection/Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition Engine Study
- Heat and thermal analysis of GDI/HCCI engine and control strategy of HCCI engine

Research Interests
Experimental engine research

Kyoungjoon Chang
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, The University of Michigan, 2007
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, 1996
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, 1994

Project
System Level Engine Modeling for HCCI Engine Control during Thermal Transients

Research Interests
Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition Engine, Engine Emission Control

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Hoon Cho
Ph. D. School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, Seoul National University, 2002

Project
Electric Accessories (Ford-DUST (Dual-Use Science & Technology))

Research Interests
Electric Accessories, Atter-treatment system, Emissions, Laser Diagnostics, Spray

Kukwon Cho
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2003
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1998
B.S. Mechanical Enginerring, Inha University, Incheon, Korea, 1989

Project
Heat Transfer and Emissions in a Direct Injection Gasoline Engine

Research Interest
Heat Transfer in IC engines.

Wooheum Cho
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2004
 M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, 1994
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, 1992

Project
Pressure Reactive Piston for Spark Ignition and Compression Ignition Engines

Research Interests
Development of electrostatic injection system for diesel engine.

Inyong Choi
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2001
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea, 2000
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea, 1995
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea, 1993

Research Interests
IC engines.
Laser Diagnostics for Combustion.
Christos Chryssakis
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2005
M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2002
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Greece and University of Stuttgart, Germany, 2000

Projects
In-Cylinder Reduction of PM and NOX Emissions from Diesel Combustion with Advanced Injection Strategies

Research Interests
Computational Fluid Dynamics, Primary and secondary spray atomization, Drop deformation and breakup, Internal combustion engine modeling, Fuel spray injection in IC engines and effects on combustion and emissions.
Berrin Daran

George Delagrammatikas
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2002
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1996
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 1995

Projects
Hybrid Electric Vehicle Design Methodology and Optimization.
Development of Diesel Engine Optimization Frameworks.
Diesel Powertrain Simulations.

This research deals with the optimization of diesel HEV's from a systems engineering perspective. Simulations developed at the University of Michigan and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory have allowed researchers to study the tradeoffs associated with HEV component sizing as well as driving cycle sensitivities on vehicle performance criteria. The models of the various subsystems used in these simulations are continuously being verified against experimental data in order to ensure their validity.
For more info on this research, please refer to the ARC website..

Research Interests
Hybrid Electric Vehicle Design Methodology and Optimization.
Development of Diesel Engine Optimization Frameworks.
Diesel Powertrain Simulations.

Christopher Depcik
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2003
 M.S. Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan, 2002
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1999
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Florida, 1997

Projects
1. Exhaust Gas and Aftertreatment Modeling
- Variable-property reacting-gas dynamics are used to model the oscillatory nature of exhaust flow along with pertinent homogeneous reactions. This provides the inlet conditions to models of aftertreatment devices, catalysts and catalyzed diesel particulate filters, and their subsequent optimization for maximum efficiency.

2. Fuel Processing Modeling
- System level models of complete fuel processing systems are used to maximize the hydrogen yield from higher hydrocarbon fuel sources.

Research Interests
Computational Fluid Dynamics
Catalyst Modeling
Catalyzed Diesel Particulate Filter Modeling
Fuel Processor Modeling
Preconditioning the Governing Equations of Motion
Internet and Graphical User Interface (GUI) Based Instructional/Educational Tools

http://www.depcik.com

Gerald Fernandes
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2004
Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, University of Pune, 2000

Project
Impact of Fuel Composition and Exhaust Gas Recirculation on the Performnce and Emissions of a Heavy Duty Diesel Engine

Research Interests
Experimental Research on Diesel Engines, Alternative Fuels, Particulate Matter, Emissions Control, Impact of Pollution on Environment, Automotive Systems.
Scott Fiveland
Anup Gongle
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2005

Project
Analysis of Ricardo single cylinder diesel engine piston-cylinder liner friction with the help of a grasshopper mechanism; related HC, CO, CO2, O2, NOx emission measurements and engine oil consumption measurement by sulphur tracing method. Analysis is being done for different cylinder liner surface roughness and manufacturing parameters

Research Interests
Diesel Engines, Emissions, Friction
Ronald Grover
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2005
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Tech University, 1998
Engineering Sciences/Mathematics, Clark Atlanta University, 1998

Project
Spray-Wall Impingement and Thin Liquid Film Behavior
- My interest is to develop a sub-model to incorporate into the KIVA-3V engine code to describe the behavior of fuel spray droplets impinging on cylinder walls. In addition, I am developing a sub-model to predict the movement and heat/mass transfer from the resulting thin liquid films that develop.

Research Interests
Computational Modeling of Heat transfer and Fluid Mechanics problems related to IC engines.
Jonathan Hagena
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2007
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2004
BSME, South Dakota State University, May, 2000.

Project
Characterize and understand formation of diesel emissions under realistic transient engine operation. Suggest, develop, and implement strategies to reduce emissions by using advanced electrically-controlled engine components.

Research Interests
Transient engine operation, engine-in-the-loop testing, multiple injections, heat release analysis

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Manbae Han
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, The University of Michigan, 2007
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Hanyang University, 1997
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Hanyang University, 1995

Project
Clean Diesel Technology
- Speciation of semi-volatile and light hydrocarbon with regards to combustion
strategies and aftertreatment devices

Research Interests
- Internal combustion engines with special emphasis on emissions, combustion, exhaust gas aftertreatment, exhaust speciation
- Engine control related to driveability,on-board diagnostics, fuel economy and emissions

Sangjin Hong
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2002
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, 1996
B.A. Mechanical Engineering, Korea University, 1994

Research Interest
Soot formation in engines
Timothy J. Jacobs
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2005
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2002
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1999

Project
Clean Diesel Technology
- Improve combustion strategies for lean pre-mix diesel combustion for improved emissions and fuel economy. Develop rich pre-mix combustion for low and high load after treatment regeneration.

Research Interests
Experimental engine research, after treatment devices, combustion, emissions, exhaust gas recirculation, heat release analysis, exhaust speciation.

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Chad Jagmin
Young Jae Kim
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2008
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, 1997
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea, 1995

Project
Hybrid Vehicle Engine Simulation

Research Interests
Vehicle engine simulation, engine performance & emission control

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Alexander Knafl
'Diplomingenieur', Technical University of Graz, Austria, 2002
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2007

Research Interests
Diesel engine emission (soot, NOx), after treatment, engine behavior under transient operating conditions

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Arkadiusz Kobiera
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, Warsaw University of Technology, 2004

Research Interests
Combustion, Computational Fluid Dynamics

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Guntram Lechner
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2003
MSc.(Dipl. Ing) Technical University of Graz, Austria, 1999

Project
Premixed Combustion in High Speed Direct Injection Diesel Engines

Research Interests
Experimental engine research.

Cheol Su Lee

Project
GM Direct Injection Spark Ignition (DISI) Engine Research
- Characterization of DISI engine. Comparison of performance, emission and fuel economy of DISI engine with PFI engine.
Kyo Seung Lee
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, Yonsei University, Seoul Korea, 1997

Project
Orbital SMA Sensor Development & Application
- New type pressure sensor development and automotive application. This sensor is made of shape memory alloy. It is cheaper than any other conventional sensor.

Research Interests
Diesel Engine Combustion, Engine Heat Transfer, Engine Emission.
Matthew E. Leustek
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2003
B.S. Mechanical Engineering , University of Wisconsin-Platteville, 2001

Project
GM Dust--Cylinder Wear/Friction
- Advance a technique which formerly used a “grass hopper” linkage to measure in-cylinder, crank angle resolved friction by developing a much more robust and unobtrusive microwave radiation wireless telemetry system. The technique will be used to measure differences in friction between cast iron cylinder liners and aluminum metal matrix cylinder liners as well as the effects of different piston ring geometries and metallurgies on in-cylinder engine friction.

Research Interests
Experimental engine research in areas including: friction, combustion, lubrication, and emissions.
ChoonHun William Lim
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2002
B.Eng. Mechanical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 1997

Research Interests
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), optimization, scientific visualization, virtual reality, long-distance collaborative technologies, effective presentation techniques.
Salih A. Mahameed
Yanbin Mo
M.S. Mechanical Engineering , University of Alabama, 2001
B.S. Internal Combustion Engine , Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, 1999

Project
General Motors -Dual Use Science & Technology (GM-DUST)
- Study effects of manufacturing characteristics of piston ring pack and cylinder liner on engine performance.
Homogenous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI)
- Study the combustion process of HCCI Engine for possible control strategy

Research Interests
Engine combustion, lubrication and heat transfer.

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Ryan Nelson
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 1999

Project
Pressure Reactive Piston Project
- Validating a patent for a piston that allows variable compression ratio during the drive cycle; analysis includes computer modeling, piston design & fabrication, and prototype testing.

Research Interests
Thermal sciences, thermodynamics, power generation.

Robert Prucka
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2007
B.S.E. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, May 2000

Project
Cold-Start Precision Heat Management
- Using variable valve timing strategies to reduce hydrocarbon emissions during cold-start

Research Interests
Experimental engine research. Engine heat transfer and emissions.

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Jeff Sanko
George Seaward
B.S. Mechanical Engineering (Aerospace), United States Military Academy, 1990

Project
GM GDI Engine Project (Full Metal Engine)
- A single-cylinder Ricardo Hydra engine is being set up for GDI operation. An instrumented piston has surface-mounted thermoucouples to measure piston surface temperatures with crank angle resolution.

Research Interests
GDI Piston Temperatures and Emissions.
Scott Thompson
Bruno Vanzieleghem
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2004
M.Eng. Automotive Engineering, University of Michigan, 1998
M.Sc. Thermal Power and Fluids Engineering, UMIST, Manchester, UK, 1997
Bachelors in Mechanical Engineering, University of Ghent, Belgium, 1997

Project
3-D CFD modeling of Direct Injection Gasoline Engines
- KIVA-3V is being used and modified (by myself and others in the group) in an attempt to accurately model processes (injection, breakup, evaporation, impingement, combustion, pollutant formation) in Direct Injection gasoline engines. Experimental data obtained from the optical engine in the Autolab will be used as validation data.

Research Interests
Engines and all related topics. CFD modeling.

Shriram Vijayaraghavan
B.E. Mechanical Engineering, Anna Univeristy, Madras, India, 2005
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, The University of Michigan, 2007

Project:
In-cylinder friction measurement using an insturmented liner on a
single cylinder diesel engine

Research Interests:
Turbochargers and Supercharging, Transient diesel engine performance,
Friction Reduction & Combustion strategies.

Wesley Williamson
Bin Wu
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 2005
M.S. Electrical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 2003
M.Eng. Thermal Engineering, Tsinghua University, China, 2000
B.Eng. Thermal Engineering, Tsinghua University, China, 1995

Projects
Integrated Simulation of a Medium_Size Truck with Advanced Hybrid Hydraulic Propulsion System
- Study the mobility and fuel economy of Hybrid Hydraulic Vehicles (HHV) by modeling and simulation.
- Optimize the power management strategies.

Calibration and Control of High-Degree-of-Freedom Spark-Ignition Engines
- Simulate spark-ignition engines with advanced valve actuation capability.
- Optimize the valve event for variable valve actuation engines.
- Develop multi-input neural network models as replacement of conventional lookup tables for engine control.

Research Interests
- Modeling and simulation of hybrid powertrain.
- Optimization of complex powertrain system.
- VVA engine control.
Guangquan Wu
Ph.D Mechanical Engineering Jilin university of Technology, Changchun of China, 1991
M.S Mechanical Engineering Jilin University of Technology, Changchun of China, 1986
B.S Mechanical Engineering Jilin University of Technology, Changchun of China, 1984

Project
Simulation of effects of electric accessories on engine performance and response

Research Interests
Engine and powertrain simulation.
Valvetrain mechanism dynamic simulation and optimization.
Ping (Pete) Yu
B.Eng. Automotive Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China

Project
Geometric Modeling on Combustion Chamber and Flame Front
- To Develop a Technique for Automatic Generation of Flame Front and Combustion Chamber Geometric Interactions, for Spark Ignition Engine Simulation.

Research Interests
Internal Combustion Engine Modeling, Manufacturing Variation Modeling and Robust Design, Automobile and Engine Testing Development.
Sangseok Yu
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, The University of Michigan, 2006
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Seoul National University, 2000
B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Chungnam National University,1997

Project
Thermal Modeling of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell
(Automotive Research Center (ARC) - Thrust Area IV: Advanced and Hybrid Powertrains)

Research Interests
Heat and Mass Transport Effect of Fuel Cell, Humidity& Temperature Control, Efficiency of Cell.
Pin Zeng
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, 2004
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, P. R. China, 1986
B.S. Mecnanical Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, P. R. China, 1983

Project
Diesel Engine System Simulation and Experimental Validation
- Experimental and modeling investigating of the internal combustion engine combustion and pollutants formation.

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University of Michigan