Faculty
Cullen Professor of Engineering
Education:
Courses:
CHEE 3369: Chemical Engineering Transport Processes
CHEE 4367: Chemical Reaction Engineering
CHEE 6337: Advanced Chemical Reaction Engineering
Research Interests:
Dr. Luss's group is currently conducting research on several topics. The main emphasis is on problem related to the reduction of environmental emissions from diesel engines. These include enhancement of the efficiency and safety of the regeneration diesel particulate filters, development of novel catalyst architectures which improve the destruction of NOx and organic compounds emitted by diesel engines. We also conduct studies of novel synthesis of solid oxides and the dynamic features of the combustion of solid nano-particles. Specific research projects include:
Combustion of soot in diesel particulate filters
Particulate solid particles (soot) emitted by diesel engines are a serious health hazard as they can cause cancer. The best technology for its removal is by use of special ceramic and periodic combustion of the accumulated particulate matter. Experience has indicated the transient change in the load of the engine leads sometimes to excessive unexpected temperature excursions that can melt and /or crack the expensive catalyst. We are conducting both experimental and simulation studies that aim to determine the operating conditions and driving modes that can lead to these excessive temperature rise in order to enable development of control protocols that will circumvent these undesirable dynamic behavior.
Development of temperature waves during soot combustion in a Diesel Particulate Fiter (DPF)
Flow pattern in a DPF
Development of novel catalyst Architecture
A major research activity in the department is the reduction of NOx emissions in the oxidizing exhaust emissions of diesel engines. This reduction may be conducted by use of selective Catalytic reduction catalyst (SCR) which required feed of ammonia precursor or by use of Lean NOx Trap (LNT) which contains expensive precious metals. Another option is the use a reactor with LNT catalyst followed by one with SCR to avoid the need to inject ammonia precursors. We are conducting both experimental and simulation studies of novel catalyst architecture with goal to enable a reduction of the expensive precious metal without affecting the effectiveness of the NOx destruction.
Novel temperature measurements of temperature in honeycomb reactors.
The presence of excessive high local temperatures (hot spots) can severely damage chemical reactors and monolith reactors used to destruct environmental pollutants. There is a technological to detect the amplitude and motion of small hot zones the location of which is not known and which may meander with time. We have recently developed a novel technique for measuring the spatio-temporal temperature, which measures a continuously the temporal temperature profile along a special optical fiber. The technique is currently used to measure the temperature profiles in a monolith reactor and a packed bed reactor in which several reactions are conducted. This novel technique is expected to lead to major advances in the measurements and control of temperature in chemical reactors and provide essential information that could not have been obtained until now.
Nano-particles synthesis and pressure release during their combustion
We have developed a novel method for the synthesis of solid oxides by having a high temperature front propagate through a mixture of carbon and some minerals. The method (which has a 2mm spatial resolution and temperature resolution of 0.5 C) enables a more economic synthesis than do other methods. Moreover, it can be used directly to produce nano-particles. We conduct studies on the impact of the operating conditions and reactants mixture composition on the product properties and the magnitude of the amplitude and duration of the pressure pulse generated by the released gaseous products and its dependence on the nano particles size.
Awards & Honors:
Selected Publications
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Dadi, R. K., Luss, D., & Balakotaiah, V.,
"Dynamic hysteresis in monolith reactors and hysteresis effects during co-oxidation of CO and C2H6", Chemical Engineering Journal, 297, 325-340, DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2016.03.139
, 2016 -
Dadi, R. K., Luss, D., & Balakotaiah, V.,
"Bifurcation features of mixtures containing CO and hydrocarbons in diesel oxidation catalyst", Chemical Engineering Journal, 304, 941-952, DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2016.06.119
, 2016 -
Zheng, Y., Harold, M. P., & Luss, D.,
"Effects of CO, H-2 and C3H6 on Cu-SSZ-13 catalyzed NH3-SCR", Catalysis Today, 264, 44-54, DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod2015.06.028
, 2016 -
Zheng, Y., Li, M. M., Wang, D., Harold, M. P., & Luss, D.,
"Rapid propylene pulsing for enhanced low temperature NOx conversion on combined LNT-SCR catalysts", Catalysis Today, 267, 192-201, DOI: 10.1016/j.cattod.2015.10.029
, 2016 -
Y. Zheng, , D. Luss, and M.P. Harold,
"Optimization of LNT-SCR Dual-Layer Catalysts for Diesel NOx Emission Control,"SAE Int. J. Engines 7, 1280-1289
, 2014 -
Zheng, Y., Liu, Y., Harold, M. P., & Luss, D.,
LNT-SCR dual-layer catalysts optimized for lean NOx reduction by H-2 and CO. Applied Catalysis B-Environmental, 148, 311-321
, 2014 -
A.S. Kota, D. Luss, V. Balakotaiah,
“Modeling Studies on Low Temperature Aerobic NOx Reduction by a Sequence of LNT-SCR Bricks”’ AIChE J, 3421-3431
, 2013 -
G. Kolios, Dan Luss, R.Garg, G. Viswanathan,
“Efficient computations of periodic state of cyclic fixed bed processes”, Chem. Eng. Sci., 101,90-98
, 2013 -
Hoang Nguyen, Michael P. Harold, Dan Luss,
"Optical frequency domain reflectometry measurements of spatio-temporal temperature inside catalytic reactors: Applied to study wrong-way behavior", Chem. Eng. J., 234, 312-317
, 2013 -
M. Yu, D. Luss and V. Balakotaiah,
“Regeneration modes and peak temperatures in a diesel particulate filter", Chem. Eng. J, 232, 541-554
, 2013 -
M. Yu, D. Luss, V. Balakotaiah,
“Analysis of Ignition in a Diesel Particulate Filter”, Cat Today, 216, 158-168
, 2013 -
Mengting Yu, Dan Luss, V. Balakotaiah,
“Regeneration modes and peak temperatures in a diesel particulate filter”, Chem. Eng. J, 232, 541-554
, 2013 -
Y. Liu, Y. Zheng, M.P. Harold and D. Luss,
“Lean NOx reduction with H2 and CO in Dual Layer LNT-SCR Monolithic Catalysts: Impact of Ceria Loading", Topics Catal., 56, 104-108
, 2013 -
Y. Liu, Y. Zheng, M.P. Harold and D. Luss,
“Lean NOx reduction on LNT-SCR dual-layer catalysts by H2 and CO”, Appl. Cat. B. 132-133, 293-303
, 2013 -
Yu, M.T., Luss, D. & Balakotaiah, V.,
"Analysis of flow distribution and heat transfer in a diesel particulate filter", Chemical Engineering Journal 226, 68-78
, 2013 -
Kota, A.S., Luss, D. & Balakotaiah, V.,
"Modeling Studies on Lean NOx Reduction by a Sequence of LNT-SCR Bricks", Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 51, 6686-6696
, 2012 -
Liu, Y., Harold, M.P. & Luss, D.,
"Coupled NOx storage and reduction and selective catalytic reduction using dual-layer monolithic catalysts", Applied Catalysis B-Environmental 121, 239-251
, 2012 -
Yu, M.T. & Luss, D.,
"Inlet Cone Effect on Particulate Matter Deposition and Regeneration Temperature in a Diesel Particulate Filter", Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research51, 3791-3800
, 2012 -
Yu, M.T. & Luss, D.,
"Inlet Cone Effect on Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration upon a Rapid Shift to Idle", Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 51, 11355-11366
, 2012 -
A. Varma and D. Luss,
“Neal Amundson - ChE Educator, Researcher and Leader Par Excellence,” CEP, 107, 4, 51-55
, 2011 -
Chen, K.; Luss, D.,
Temperature Excursions in Diesel Particulate Filters: Response to Shift to Idle. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research 2011, 50 (2), 832-842.
, 2011 -
Chen, K.; Martirosyan, K. S.; Luss, D.,
Transient temperature rise during regeneration of diesel particulate filters. Chemical Engineering Journal 2011, 176-77, 144-150.
, 2011 -
Chen, K.; Martirosyan, K. S.; Luss, D.,
Counter-Intuitive Temperature Excursions During Regeneration of a Diesel Particulate Filter. Aiche Journal 2011, 57 (8), 2229-2236.
, 2011 -
Chen, K.; Martirosyan, K. S.; Luss, D.,
Hot Zones Formation During Regeneration of Diesel Particulate Filters. Aiche Journal 2011, 57 (2), 497-506.
, 2011 -
Chen, K.; Martirosyan, K. S.; Luss, D.,
Temperature gradients within a soot layer during DPF regeneration. Chemical Engineering Science 2011, 66 (13), 2968-2973.
, 2011 -
K. Chen and D. Luss,
“Temperature rise during stationary and dynamic regeneration of a diesel particulate filter,” Rev. Chem. Eng., 27,133-147
, 2011 -
K. Chen and D. Luss,
“Temperature excursions in diesel particulate filters: Response to shift to idle,” Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 50, 832-842
, 2011 -
K. Chen, K.S. Martirosyan and D. Luss,
“Transient temperature rise during regeneration of diesel particulate filters,” Chem. Eng. J., to be published
, 2011 -
K. Chen, K.S. Martirosyan and D. Luss,
“Hot zones formation during regeneration of Diesel Particulate Filters,” AIChEJ, 57, 497-506
, 2011 -
K. Chen, K.S. Martirosyan and D. Luss,
“Counter-intuitive temperature excursions during regeneration of a Diesel Particulate Filter,” accepted for publication, AIChEJ., 57, 2231-2236
, 2011 -
K. Chen, K.S. Martirosyan and D. Luss,
“Temperature gradients within a soot layer during DPF regeneration,” Chem. Eng. Sci., 66, 2968-2973
, 2011 -
K.S. Martirosyan, L Wang, and D. Luss,
“Tuning the gas pressure discharge of nano-energetic materials by boron and carbon nano-tubes additives,” NSTI-Nanotech, 1, 323-326
, 2011 -
L Wang, K.S. Martirosyan, and D. Luss,
“The behavior of nanothermite reaction based on Bi2O3/Al,” J. Appl. Phys., 110, 74311 1-7
, 2011 -
Liu, Y.; Harold, M. P.; Luss, D.,
Spatio-temporal features of periodic oxidation of H(2) and CO on Pt/CeO(2)/Al(2)O(3). Applied Catalysis a-General 2011, 397 (1-2), 35-45.
, 2011 -
Wang, L.; Luss, D.; Martirosyan, K. S.,
The behavior of nanothermite reaction based on Bi(2)O(3)/Al. Journal of Applied Physics 2011, 110 (7).
, 2011 -
Y. Liu, M.P. Harold and D. Luss,
“Spatio-temporal features of periodic oxidation of H2 and CO on Pt/.CeO2/Al2O3,” Appl. Cat., 397, 35-45
, 2011 -
K. S. Martirosyan, Luss, D.,
“Temperature Excursions during Soot Combustion in a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)2231,” Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 49 (21), 10358-10363
, 2010 -
K.S. Martirosyan, K. Chen and D. Luss,
“Behavior Features of Soot Combustion in Diesel Particulate Filter,” Chem. Eng. Sci., 65, 42-46
, 2010 -
K.S. Martirosyan, L Wang, and D. Luss,
“Development of nano-energetic materials based on Al/I2O5 system,” Nanotechnology, 2, 137-140
, 2010 -
K. Chen, K.S. Martirosyan and D. Luss,
“Wrong-way behavior of soot combustion in a planar diesel particulate filter,” Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 48, 8451-8456
, 2009 -
K. Chen, K.S. Martirosyan and D. Luss,
“Soot combustion dynamics in a planar diesel particulate filter,” Ind. Eng. Chem. Res., 48, 3323-3330
, 2009 -
K.S. Martirosyan and D. Luss,
“Fabrication of metal oxides Nanoparticles by highly exothermic reactions,” Chem. Eng. Techn., 32, 9, 1376-1383
, 2009 -
K.S. Martirosyan, L Wang, A. and D. Luss,
“Novel nanoenergetic system based on iodine pentoxide,” Chem. Phys. Lett., 483, 107-110
, 2009 -
K.S. Martirosyan, L Wang, A. Vicent, and D. Luss,
“Fabrication of Bismuth Trioxide Nanoparticles for gas Generators Applications,” NSTI-Nanotechnology,20, 82-85
, 2009 -
K.S. Martirosyan, L Wang, A. Vicent, and D. Luss,
“Fabrication of Bismuth Trioxide Nanoparticles for gas Generators Applications,” NSTI-NANO Tech., 1, 82-85
, 2009 -
K.S. Martirosyan, L Wang, A. Vicent, and D. Luss,
“Fabrication of Metal Oxides Nanoparticles by Highly Exothermic Reactions,” Chem. Eng. & Tech., 32, No. 9, 1
, 2009 -
K.S. Martirosyan, L Wang, A. Vicent, and D. Luss,
“Nanoenergetic Gas-Generator: Design and Performance,” Propellants, Explosives, Pyrotechnics, to be published
, 2009 -
G. Viswanathan, M. Sheintuch, and D. Luss,
“Transversal Hot Zones Formation in Catalytic Packed-Bed Reactors,” I&EC Res, 47, 2509-2523
, 2008 -
K.S. Martirosyan, E. Galstyan, Y.Y. Xue, and D. Luss,
“The fabrication of YBCO Superconductor Polycrystalline Powder by CCSO,” Superconductor Science and Technology, 21, 065008
, 2008 -
P. Hamilton, and D. Luss,
“Catalyst particle design for optimum polyolefin productivity,”IEC Res., 47, 2905-2911
, 2008 -
P. Hamilton, D. Hill and D. Luss,
“Optical and Infrared Study of Individual Reacting Metallocene Catalyst Particles,” AIChE J., 54, 1054-1063
, 2008 -
B. Pinkerton and D. Luss,
“Hot zone formation during hydrogenation of ethylene and acetylene mixtures in a shallow packed bed reactor,” I&EC Res, 46, 1898
, 2007 -
K. Gerdes and D. Luss,
“Oxygen flux increases through MIEC membranes by enhanced surface exchange,” AIChE J., 53, 1389
, 2007 -
K. S. Martirosyan and D. Luss,
“Carbon combustion synthesis of ferrites: Synthesis and characterization,” IEC Res., 46, 1492
, 2007