Breakthrough in Fluid Mechanics: New Study on Computational Fluid Dynamics for Carbon Reduction

Strategic Insights -

Researchers at the University of Zagreb have made a significant breakthrough in fluid mechanics, developing a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to predict the combustion of ammonia/methane mixtures, a promising alternative fuel for reducing carbon emissions. This innovative study, funded by the European Union and the Project REFRESH, aims to overcome the variability of renewable energy sources and accelerate the transition to a more sustainable energy landscape.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study, published in the journal Energy, generated a comprehensive database of laminar flame speed and autoignition properties for ammonia/methane mixtures, comprising 345,000 auto-ignition points and 18,000 laminar flame speed points.
  • The novel database was developed using a combination of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and experimental research, leveraging the LOGETM software and correlation functions.
  • The generated database is used as a lookup table for autoignition criteria and laminar flame speed in a three-zone extended coherent flame model (ECFM-3Z), which is a widely used CFD combustion model.
  • The study demonstrated that ammonia can be used as a viable alternative fuel to hydrogen, with existing natural gas burners capable of modification without extensive adaptations to burn ammonia/methane mixtures or pure ammonia.
  • The researchers concluded that their CFD-ready lookup database enables rapid yet accurate decarbonization studies, making it an essential tool for policymakers and energy stakeholders.

Statistics:

  • The study generated a comprehensive database of 345,000 auto-ignition points and 18,000 laminar flame speed points for ammonia/methane mixtures.
  • The database was developed using a combination of CFD and experimental research, leveraging the LOGETM software and correlation functions.
  • The CFD-ready lookup database can be used for rapid and accurate decarbonization studies.
  • More than 200,000 words have been written for the publication, matching the complexity of the research work.

Sources:

  • NewsRx LLC. Findings from University of Zagreb in Computational Fluid Dynamics Reported (Emission and Combustion Characteristics of Ammonia/methane Mixtures for Carbon Reduction and Alternative Fuel Development). Information Technology Newsweekly. November 4, 2025; p 199.
  • Emission and Combustion Characteristics of Ammonia/methane Mixtures for Carbon Reduction and Alternative Fuel Development. Energy, 2025;336.