Professor N. Ashgriz
Liquid Fuel Combustion: Liquid fuels are used in many energy generating devices, such as diesel engines, liquid propellant rocket engines and gas turbines. The efficiency of these devices is intimately dependent on the mechanism of the combustion of the droplets in the fuel spray used in them. We are involved in the combustion characterization of various fuels. This is done by developing computational models for the combustion processes involving fuel sprays and verifying our computations with experiments.

Professor A. Bazylak
Microscale energy systems transport phenomena: Our research interests encompass the study of microfluidics applied to transport phenomena in energy systems toward designing novel materials and architectures, with a focus on polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) fuel cells, microfluidic fuel cells, and carbon sequestration.

Professor F. Ben Amara
Modeling and control of fuel cell based systems for optimum performance, and development of diagnostics tools for such systems.

Professor M. Bussmann
Flow, heat transfer and phase change modelling of materials processes.  The development and implementation of algorithms:  interface tracking methods for fluid/fluid and fluid/solid interfaces; phase change algorithms that include traditional enthalpy-based methods, and lesser-known algorithms like cellular automata for simulation of microstructure.  Application of such to processes that include thermal spray, planar flow casting, and polymer melt processing.

Professor S. Chandra
Hydrogen ignition: Experiments are being done to study the ignition of gaseous hydrogen-oxygen mixtures, over a range of mixture compositions, temperatures, pressures, and for a variety of ignition sources (e.g., electric sparks, hot surfaces).

Professor A. Mandelis
Fundamental and applied energy conversion studies of high-technology microelectronic and optoelectronic materials, mainly crystalline and amorphous thin-film semiconductors and laser crystals.  Development and utilization of novel spectroscopic principles to study and characterize such energy conversion materials through their optical spectra and a unique, optical-to-thermal energy conversion spectroscopy.

Professor S. McCahan
Study of thermal explosions (i.e., the interaction between hot molten metal and water or fuel-coolant interactions): Experimental investigation of the phenomena and computational modeling of the reaction wave.

Professor S.A. Meguid
Coatings for surface protection against wear, oxidation and corrosion as well as for the introduction of favourable surface properties such as thermal barrier, electrical insulation and improved resistance to frettage: Use of novel ultrasonic techniques, such as the Leaky lamb or Rayleigh waves, to characterize coatings nondestructively.  Shot-peening and indentation studies.

Professor J.K. Mills
New restrictive automotive emission standards have led to the re-examination of state-of-the-art internal combustion engine control methods.  Methods of control design exist which can be utilized to reliably meet the strict emission standards required under new government legislation.  Work include IC engine dynamic modeling and control system design.

Professor J. Mostaghimi
Research on thermal plasmas: Spray coating of metals and ceramics using dc and microwave plasmas; temperature measurements of a microwave plasma by emission spectroscopy technique; mathematical modeling of rf plasmas; prediction of thermophysical properties of thermal plasmas using Boltzmann kinetic theory; and, chemical vapor deposition of diamond films in a microwave plasma reactor.

Professor A.W. Neumann
Fundamental surface thermodynamic studies from both experimental and theoretical points of view: contact angle interpretation and surface energetics; line tension measurement; droplet deformation in electric field and its effects on surface tension and contact angle.

Professor A.N. Sinclair
The nondestructive characterization of interfacial profiles: Use of ultrasound to evaluate the extent of interdiffusion at the interface, and characterize any inhomogeneities; evaluation of high-performance adhesive bonds and their degradation in aggressive environments.

Professor J.K. Spelt
Surface finishing of aluminum using vibratory fluidized beds of abrasive media.  Solid particle erosion.  Paper-water interactions.

Professor M. Thomson
Understanding and modeling of combustion processes:  investigating new bio-fuels, developing laser based measurment systems, creating improved combustion models using  computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and chemical kinetics.  Applications include reducing air pollutant emissions and improving the energy efficiency of automotive engines, aircraft engines, and industrial furnaces.

Professor J.S. Wallace
Research on combustion in reciprocating IC engines: Spark ignition alternative fueled engines; direct injection alternative fueled engines; optical measurement techniques for the combustion process; and engine control systems.

Professor C.A. Ward
A hydrogen storage system for automotive applications is being developed that involves a lightweight, compact system for on-board production of hydrogen, and a lightweight man-portable DC-power supply is being developed that consists of a KOH fuel cell and a hydrogen storage system.  Also, the factors that control the corrosion of fuel cell electrodes are under investigation using neutron activation analysis and mass spectrometry.