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.
Group Events
2026 September
Members of our group attended the 34th European Conference on Liquid Atomization and Spray Systems (ILASS Europe 2026) in Lisbon
2026 July
2026 Summer Retreat
2025 December
We joined the ECN 10 in Chiba
2025 End of Term Events
Our group enjoyed End of term event
2025 CICS
Our group hosted the 2025 CICS conference at the University of Calgary
2024 End of Term Team Event
Our group enjoyed a climbing session marking the end of the term.
2024 UBCO visit
Our group visited UBCO for the kicking off Hydrogen Center of Excellence project in combustion
2023 Xmas Dinner
Our group enjoyed Xmas Dinner end of the term
2026 July
Members of our group attended the 41st ISOC in Kyoto Japan
2026 May
We presented 7 talks at 2026 CICS Montreal
2025 Xmas Dinner
Our group enjoyed 2025 Xmas dinner
2025 Summer Event
Our group enjoyed the anual summer event in the Rockey Mountains
2024 Xmas Dinner
Our group enjoyed Xmas dinner before end of the year
2024 PCI-Milan
Dr. Fang meet previously supervised students at the 2024 Proceedings of Combustion Institutes in Milan
2024 CICS
Our group travelled to Queens University and every student presented at the 2024 Combustion Institute Canadian Sector Spring Technical Meeting
2023 Summer Event
Our group enjoyed first summer hiking in Banff National Park
