Vijayakrishnan Venkatesan
DC4: Atomisation and mixing process of liquid ammonia injection from GDI injectors.
I will investigate how parameters such as injection pressure, nozzle diameter, and ambient conditions influence spray evolution, droplet size distribution, and penetration behaviour. Using advanced optical diagnostics, including Schlieren imaging, shadowgraphy, OH chemiluminescence, and SLIPI, I will analyse ignition delay, flame lift-off length, and spray–combustion interactions.
Through this work, I aim to improve the understanding of ammonia spray combustion and to derive operating strategies for stable and efficient ammonia-based combustion systems.
Supervisor Prof. Rouselle Camille Hespel hosted by
1st secondment: industrial hosted by
About me
I am an aerospace engineer with a strong background in experimental fluid dynamics and combustion research. I obtained my B.E. in Aeronautical Engineering from Anna University, Tamil Nadu, India, and my M.S. by Research in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Madras, Tamil Nadu, India. My academic interests focus on fluid mechanics, spray dynamics, combustion, and advanced optical diagnostics.
During my time at IIT Madras, I gained research experience through industry-sponsored projects in collaboration with partners such as GE and Maruti Suzuki. My work involved combustion experiments and spray diagnostics using optical techniques, including Schlieren imaging, OH-PLIF, and OH chemiluminescence, along with experimental facility design and data analysis.
Following a year of research and thesis preparation, I am thrilled to begin my PhD journey and contribute to the project’s ongoing research. My current project focuses on the simulation of the injection of H2 jets, the effects of H₂–air species differential diffusivities, and the development of CFD models aided by ML. I am excited to join the DT-HATS doctoral network and collaborate within an international research environment, which offers a unique opportunity to broaden my knowledge and further develop both as a researcher and as an individual.
The DT-HATS project provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to the development of sustainable energy solutions, particularly through the study of ammonia as a carbon-free fuel. I am especially motivated by the opportunity to combine advanced diagnostics with combustion research while collaborating with international academic and industrial partners.