Luigi Mauro
DC11: Development of a LES combustion model for NH3/H2/air flames accounting for preferential diffusion and high Karlovitz regime coupled to a multicomponent Real Fluid Model (RFM)
In this doctoral research project, I will develop a high-fidelity numerical framework to simulate ammonia–hydrogen dual-fuel combustion in engines. The methodology will couple a real-fluid thermodynamic model with advanced turbulent combustion modelling in Large-Eddy Simulation, while using deep-active learning to accelerate the evaluation of thermodynamic properties. The resulting tool aims to predict ignition and flame propagation in NH₃/H₂ engines and will be validated against dedicated experimental datasets.
My research addresses this challenge by replacing high-dimensional lookup tables with a deep-learning-based surrogate model. The model will learn thermodynamic relationships from precomputed datasets and provide fast property predictions during CFD runtime. Implemented within the CONVERGE CFD framework, this approach aims to maintain the accuracy of detailed thermodynamic models while drastically reducing computational cost, enabling efficient simulations of complex H₂/NH₃ combustion processes.
Supervisor Colin Olivier hosted by
1st secondment: academic hosted by
About me
I obtained both my Bachelor’s (2020–2023) and Master’s (2023–2025) degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Bari (Politecnico di Bari). During my studies, I developed a strong interest in fluid dynamics, combustion, and numerical simulation of reacting flows. As part of my Master’s program, I completed a research internship at CERFACS (Toulouse), where I investigated the phenomenon of flame acceleration in obstructed channels using numerical simulations, focusing on the physical mechanisms governing flame propagation in hydrogen combustion.
My academic path progressively oriented my interests towards combustion modelling and high-fidelity simulation of reacting flows.
In the future, I aim to work in an environment that promotes continuous improvement and intellectual challenge, allowing me to both acquire advanced knowledge and contribute to the development of new scientific understanding through research. At the same time, I am interested in applying strong analytical and modelling skills in fields such as strategic consulting, where complex problems require rigorous quantitative analysis and structured decision-making.