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.
Principal Investigator:
Dr Leo (XiaoHang) Fang is an Assistant Professor at the Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary and a visiting academic of the Thermal Propulsion System Research Group (TPSRG) at the University of Oxford. Before his position in Calgary, he was an engineering science lecturer at Oriel & Sommerville College and a researcher at TPSRG. His research interests include turbulent combustion modelling, high-fidelity simulations with detailed chemistry, and novel computational diagnostics tools. He received a BASc from the University of British Columbia in Mechanical Engineering and a DPhil in Engineering Science from the University of Oxford.
Affiliations:
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Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Calgary
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Visiting Academic, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford
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Full Member, Combustion Institute Canadian Sector
Meet the Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Welcome to our dynamic and fun group, where innovation and laughter intertwine! As the saying goes, 'In diversity, there is beauty, and there is strength.' Our team embodies this sentiment, as each member brings their unique talents, experiences, and personalities to the table. We firmly believe that a positive and collaborative environment fuels creativity and drives us to achieve remarkable outcomes. Together, we embark on a journey of growth and success, constantly challenging ourselves while cherishing every moment of joy and camaraderie. As we move forward, let's remember, 'Life is a journey, not a destination,' and we're thrilled to have each one of you as a fellow traveler on this incredible adventure.
Research Staff
Post-Doctoral Researcher
Dr. Shubham Goswami
B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, VIT
MSc. Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta
PhD. Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta
Post-Doctoral Researcher
Dr. Premchand C P
B.E. Aeronautical Engineering, Anna University (PCET-Coimbatore)
PhD. Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB)
Senior Research Fellow. Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B)
Post Doctoral Research Associate, University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI)
Post-Doctoral Researcher
Eyes High Postdoctral Research Fellow
Dr. Gunvir Singh Walia
B.Tech. Mechanical Engineering, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) — Thesis submitted
Graduate Research Assistant, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK), 2016–Present
Visiting Researcher, University of Sydney, May–August 2019 and October–December 2022
Lab Manager
Mathew Nowruzi
B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology
MSc. Mechanical Engineering, University of Calgary.
PhD Research Students
PhD Candidate 2026 - Present
Rémy Guillermin
Bachelor of Physics - With High Honors - 2023 - USMB, Chambéry, France
MSc Turbulences Methods et Applications - With High Honors - 2025 - UGA, Grenoble, France
Project: Shock Spray Interaction Modelling
PhD Candidate 2025 - Present
Frans Joseph Cuison Arguelles
B.S. Energy Engineering, University of Calgary
M.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, University of Calgary
Project: Turbulent Reacting Spray Modelling
PhD Candidate 2024 - Present
Amir Ghayour
M.Sc. Aerospace Engineering, Sharif University of Technology
B.Sc. Aerospace Engineering, Sharif University of Technology
Project: Joint Probability Density Function Modelling for Turbulent Combustion Models
amirmohammad.ghayour@ucalgary.ca
PhD Candidate 2023 - Present
Mofetoluwa Fagade
M.S. Mechanical Engineering, Arizona State University
B.S. Aerospace Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin
Project: Spray Sub-model Development
MSc Research Students
MSc Candidate 2026 - Present
Matheus Sa
B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
Project: Numerical Simulation for Turbulent Partially Premixed Flame
MSc Candidate 2026 - Present
Caleb Assen
B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, University of Calgary
B.S. Commerce, University of Calgary
Project: Shock Tube Design for High-Pressure High-Temperature Spray Experiments.
MSc Candidate 2025 - Present
Dylan Hofer
B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, University of Calgary
Project: Numerical Simulation for Hydrogen Methane Mixing Chamber
MSc Candidate 2025 - Present
Pierre Dawe
B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, University of Calgary
Project: Numerical Algorithm Design for Deflagration to Detonation Transition
MSc Candidate 2025 - Present
Sean King
B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, University of Calgary
Project: Numerical Study for Supercritical Spray Injection
MSc Candidate 2025 - Present
Luke Swadling
B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, University of Calgary
Project: Turbulent Combustion Modelling
MSc Candidate 2025 - Present
Marcelo Trindade
B.Sc. Mechanical Engineering, Federal University of Bahia
Project: Turbulent Combustion Modelling for Industrial Burner
Part-time Research Students
Summer Research Intern
Nicolas GARCIA
B.S. Mechanical Engineering (In progress), AIX-MARSEILLE UNIVERSITE
Past Graduate Student and Staff
Henrique Gambassi, MSc, 2026
Current Position: PhD in Engineering at Cambridge University
Simon Hus, RA, 2024-2025, 2026
Current Position: DPhil in Engineering at Oxford University
Wyatt Bergan, RA 2025
Current Position: CFD engineering consultant, Wood group
Past Summer Student Members
Devan Creber 2026 Summer
Summer Research Assistant - From University of Bath
Gaspard Vrignault
Summer Research Assistant - From Université d'Orléans
Quentin Hesnaux - 2025 Summer
Summer Research Assistant - From Université d'Orléans
Emilie Chemouni - 2025 Summer
Summer Research Assistant - From Université d'Aix-Marseille
Dylan Matwe- 2025 Summer
Summer Research Assistant
Herman Chan- 2025 Summer
Summer Research Assistant
Sophie Zhang 2024-2025
Part-time research assistant
Rodrigo Soley- 2025
Part-time research assistant
Sam Baker- 2021-2025
PhD Oxford
Haoyuan Jin- 2025
Part-time Research Assistant
Wyatt Bergen - 2024 - 2025
Research Engineer
Nicholas Guliov - 2024 Summer
Summer Research Assistant
Juhi Mehra - 2024 Summer
Summer Research Assistant
Peter Siemens - 2024 Summer
Summer Research Assistant
Simon Hus - 2023 Fall
Research Assistant
Ishmam Rahmam - 2023 Summer
Undergraduate Summer Research Assistant