Vallinayagam Raman

Postdoctoral Fellows

Post-doctoral fellow ​

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Research Interests

My research work pertains to examining the operational feasibility of alternate fuels in a diesel engine.  In the pursuit of my Ph.D. program, I have identified a novel less viscous biofuel, pine oil, for diesel engine application. Also, I have performed fuel and engine characterization studies of biodiesel, produced from vegetable oils.  Through my research endeavors, I have gathered experience on optimizing the use of different fuels in a diesel engine by either modifying the engine or fuel. Looking towards the future, I would embark on to conduct some fundamental studies on flame and chemical kinetics for certain fuels. Further optimization studies in SI engines fueled by biofuels, in an attempt to improve the engine characteristics, are also in the offing.

Selected Publications

  • Combustion performance and emission characteristics study of pine oil in a diesel engine
       R. Vallinayagam, S. Vedharaj, W. M. Yang, P. S. Lee, K. J. E. Chua, S. K. Chou
       Energy, 57, 344-51, (2013) 
  • Emission reduction from a diesel engine fueled by pine oil biofuel using SCR and catalytic converter
       R. Vallinayagam, S. Vedharaj, W. M. Yang, C. G. Saravanan, P. S. Lee, K. J. E. Chua, S. K. Chou
       Atmospheric Environment, 80, 190-197, (2013) 
  • Impact of ignition promoting additives on the characteristics of a diesel engine powered by pine oil–diesel blend
       R. Vallinayagam, S. Vedharaj, W. M. Yang, C. G. Saravanan, P. S. Lee, K. J. E Chua, S. K. Chou
       Fuel, 117, 278-285, (2014) 
  • Investigation of evaporation and engine characteristics of pine oil biofuel fumigated in the inlet manifold of a diesel engine
       R. Vallinayagam, S. Vedharaj, W. M. Yang, V. Raghavan, C. G. Saravanan, P. S. Lee, K. J. E. Chua, S. K. Chou
       Applied Energy, 115, 514-524 (2014)
  • Impact of pine oil fumigation on gaseous emissions from a diesel engine
       R. Vallinayagam, S. Vedharaj, W. M. Yang, C. G. Saravanan, P. S. Lee, K. J. E. Chua, S. K. Chou
       Fuel Processing Technology, 124, 44-53, (2014)
  • Operation of neat pine oil biofuel in a diesel engine by providing ignition assistance
       R. Vallinayagam, S. Vedharaj, W. M. Yang, P. S. Lee
       Energy Conversion and Management, 88, 1032–1040, (2014)
  • Experimental investigation of kapok (Ceiba pentandra) oil biodiesel as an alternate fuel for diesel engine
       S. Vedharaj, R. Vallinayagam, W. M. Yang, S. K. Chou, K. J. E Chua, P. S. Lee
       Energy Conversion and Management, 75, 773-9 2013) 
  • Experimental and finite element analysis of a coated diesel engine fueled by cashew nut shell liquid biodiesel
       S. Vedharaj, R. Vallinayagam, W. M. Yang, S. K. Chou, K. J. E. Chua, P. S. Lee
       Experimental and thermal fluid science, 53, 259-268, (2014
  • Emulsion fuel with novel nano-organic additives for diesel engine application
       W. M. Yang, H. An, S. K. Chou, S. Vedharaj, R. Vallinayagam, M. Balaji, et al.,
       Fuel, 104, 726-31, (2013) 
  • Optimization of biodiesel fuelled engine to meet emission standards through varying nozzle opening pressure and static injection timing
       M. Balaji W. M. Yang, R. Vallinayagam, S. Vedharaj, S. K. Chou
       Applied Energy; 130, 450-457 (2014)

Education

  • Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, National university of Singapore, Singapore, 2014
  • B.Eng., Mechanical Engineering, Coimbatore institute of technology, Anna University, India 2008

Professional Profile

  • 2014 – Present: Post doctoral fellow, Clean Combustion Research Center, KAUST, Thuwal.
  • 2008 – 2009: Engineer, R&D department of DELPHI-TVS DIESEL SYSTEMS LTD, Chennai, India.