DK
Dhananjay Kumar
Research experience

Academic & research journey

Positions
Oct 2024 — Present

Postdoctoral Research Associate

Engine Research Center, University of Wisconsin–Madison · Advisor: Prof. Sage Kokjohn

Aug 2017 — Sep 2024

PhD Researcher (M.Tech + PhD)

Engine Research Laboratory, IIT Kanpur · Advisors: Prof. Avinash Kumar Agarwal & Dr. P. A. Lakshminarayanan

Thesis: Spray, Laser Ignition, Combustion and Engine Investigations of Low Carbon Fuels. Flame kernel propagation of H² and H²-enriched CNG; spray characterization of hydrogen, CNG, methanol, ethanol, and gasoline; laser ignition of gaseous and liquid fuels; engine modification, ECU calibration; performance, combustion, emission, and particulate characterization.

2021

M.Tech Dissertation

IIT Kanpur · Advisor: Prof. Avinash Kumar Agarwal

Thesis: Simulation of High-Pressure Co-Axial Injection System for Methanol Adaptation in a Locomotive Engine. 1D modelling in GT-Power, validation for diesel, feasibility for methanol, spray modelling in CONVERGE CFD.

International exposure

South Korea · Nov–Dec 2021

Two-week collaborative project at Konkuk University & Hanyang University on CNG-fueled DISI engine. Schlieren imaging of CNG spray and CONVERGE case setup. Advisors: Prof. Suhan Park & Prof. Sungwook Park.

United Kingdom · Aug 2023

Paper presentation at SET-2023, University of Nottingham (spray characteristics of H² & CNG via Schlieren imaging). Group visit to the Engine Lab at the University of Oxford with Prof. Richard Stone & Prof. Gautam Kalghatgi.

Education
2017 — 2024

M.Tech + PhD, Mechanical Engineering

Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India

2013 — 2017

B.Tech, Mechanical Engineering

NIT Mizoram, India · BTP advisor: Prof. Bachu Deb

2010 — 2012

Intermediate

Mahatma Buddha Hiraman College, Patuana, Nalanda

2010

High School

Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel High School, Gangti, Nalanda · Board exam topper