The Reacting Flow and Numerical Methods Group advances the understanding and prediction of turbulent combustion and multiphase flows. Led by Dr. Xiaohang Fang at the University of Calgary we combine high-fidelity numerical simulation with experimental diagnostics and advanced computational methods. Our research connects fundamental fluid mechanics and combustion science with the development of cleaner and safer energy and propulsion systems.
Our research examines flame flashback and combustion instabilities as well as detonation propagation and arrest. We also investigate liquid fuel atomization and flash-boiling sprays under conditions relevant to advanced engines. We develop predictive models and numerical methods to understand the interactions between turbulence and chemical reactions and heat and mass transfer. Modal decomposition and reduced-order modelling alongside machine learning help reveal the mechanisms governing these complex flows and improve their prediction.
Through collaborations with academic institutions and industry partners we translate these advances into practical technologies. Applications include industrial burners and gas turbines as well as fuel safety systems and advanced internal combustion engines. Our work also supports aerospace propulsion and compact power generation. The group trains researchers to connect fundamental discoveries with engineering design and technology development.
Journal Publications
Linlin Yang, Yiqing Wang, Xiaohang Fang, Martin Davy and Felix Leach. Combustion and Flame (2026)
S Lai, S Goswami, S Zhang, L Yang and X Fang. Physics of Fluids (2026)
Effects of water addition on laminar premixed ethanol/air flame at elevated temperature and pressure
Linlin Yang, Xiaohang Fang an Felix Leach, October 2025, Energy & Fuels
Shiyan Zhang, Shuyue Lai, Linlin Yang, Fei Qi, Xiaohang Fang, October 2025, Proceedings of Combustion Institute
Samuel J. Baker, Michael A. Hobley, Isabel Scherl, XiaoHang Fang, Felix C. P. Leach, Martin H. Davy, March 2025, International Journal of Engine Research
Shuyue Lai, Shizhi Tang, LinLin Yang, Felix Leach, Shiyan Zhang, Brian Maxwell, Xiaohang Fang, June 2025, AIP Advances
Linin Yang, Tianhan Zhang, Yiqing Wang, Xiaohang Fang, Felix Leach, Zheng Chen, June 2025, Combustion and Flame
Frans Arguelles, Mofe Fagade, Juhi Mehra, Chao Xu, N. Sekularac, X.H. Fang, January 2025, Combustion and Flame.
Mathew Nowruzi, Samuel Baker, Felix Leach, Xiaohang Fang, January 2025, Flow, Turbulence and Combustion.
Shizhi Tang, Shiyan Zhang, Shuyue Lai, Xiaohang Fang, December 2024, AIAA Journal.
Ruixuan Zhu, Zhiwei Huang, Chao Xu, XiaoHang Fang, Huangwei Zhang, and Martin Davy, June 2024, Physics of Fluids.
Sam Baker, Xiaohang Fang, Alessio Barbato, Senastiano Breda, Mauro Magni, Stefano Fontanesi, Felix Leach & Martin Davy, March 2024, Physics of Fluids.
Nikola Sekularac, Kendal Bushe & XiaoHang Fang, (2024), Combustion and Flame
Shuyue Lai, Shizhi Tang, Chao Xu, Nikola Sekularac & XiaoHang Fang, (2023), Combustion and Flame, 258(2):113054, DOI: 10.1016/j.combustflame.2023.113054
Nikola Sekularac, XiaoHang Fang, W. Kendal Bushe & Martin H. Davy (2023),Combustion Theory and Modelling, 27:6, 736-767, DOI: 10.1080/13647830.2023.2211537
Baker, S., Fang, X., Shen, L. et al. Flow Turbulence Combust 111, 115–140 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10494-023-00424-3
Lou, H., Zheng, J., Fang, X. et al. Cell Res 33, 80–82 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41422-022-00727-6
S. Lai, C. Xu, M. Davy, X. Fang; Physics of Fluids 1 November 2022; 34 (11): 116105.
Conference Publications
Muhammad Nowruzi & Xiaohang Fang (2024) Proceedings of Combustion Institute - Canadian Section Spring Technical Meeting
Mofe Fagade, Frans Arguelles & Xiaohang Fang, (2024) Proceedings of Combustion Institute - Canadian Section Spring Technical Meeting
Frans Arguelles, Mofe Fagade, S.P. Hus & X.H. Fang, (2024) Proceedings of Combustion Institute - Canadian Section Spring Technical Meeting
Shizhi Tang, Xiaohang Fang, Chao Xu, Shiyan Zhang & Shuyue Lai*, (2024), AIAA 2024 Scitech Forum