Projects

CFD Solver From Scratch

Finite-Difference Solver and Data-Driven Inference for 2D Heat Conduction

This project implements 2nd-order finite-difference solver for steady-state heat conduction on a non-rectangular domain via area-preserving coordinate transformation. Both direct and iterative solvers (Jacobi and red-black Gauss-Seidel) were developed and benchmarked. Using JAX, a differentiable solver was constructed to infer thermal conductivity κ from real infrared measurement data via gradient-based optimization.

Compressible Euler Solver for 2D Airfoil Simulation

This project writes a 1st-order finite-volume solver for steady-state compressible flow over an airfoil, solving the 2D Euler equations with Roe flux and local time stepping. Custom inflow, outflow, and wall boundary condition fluxes were developed and tested. Simulations on multiple meshes capture pressure coefficient distributions, force coefficients, and Mach contours.

Incompressible Flow Solver for Backward-Facing Step Using Projection Method

This is a 2D finite-volume solver for incompressible flow over a backward-facing step using a primitive-variable projection method. Velocity fields (u, v) and pressure are solved on a staggered grid with QUICK convection schemes and Jacobi-based pressure correction. Different Re and mesh resolutions are tested to study separation, reattachment, and streamline behavior. The solver also extracts reattachment lengths and pressure recovery patterns.

Teams/Competitions

UCI Design&Build&Fly

Designed airplane with 3.0 thrust-to-weight ratio & 4G overload; implemented mini payloads as
mission. ranked Top 10/107 globally
• Led aerodynamic optimization (SolidWorks, xflr5), manufactured foam-carbon-3D-print composite
fuselage
• Streamlined build-test loop by 2 weeks via modular 3D-printed components

UCI Rocket Team (Solid)

Designed a payload for a 2m-rocket with 10000ft apogee. Engineered a sysytem to deploy glider as
the payload of rocket, including glider aerodynamic design, secure system and ejection system
• Manufactured glider nose and wing folding mechanism using 3D printing, wing surface wrapping
using carbon fiber sheet, wing surface wrapping using carbon fiber sheet

UCI Drone Team

Designed quadcopter chassis with SolidWorks and manufactured; integrated DJI flight controller
Built Arduino-based payload-drop mechanism using vision + ultrasonic sensing.

Aircraft design

Economic Design Optimization of a Commercial Jet (UCI Senior Design)

This project develops and evaluates aircraft configurations that minimize direct operating costs (DOC) while meeting range and payload requirements for domestic routes. It compares aerodynamic and propulsion design tradeoffs, ultimately selecting a twin-engine, supercritical-wing configuration with optimal aspect ratio and sweep.

Supervisor: Prof. R. Liebeck (UCI)

Drag Calculator of a Transport Aircraft

This project investigates parasite and induced drag contributions in a subsonic transport aircraft using hand calculations, MATLAB simulations, and SolidWorks-derived geometry. Drag components are analyzed across velocity ranges to identify the optimal cruise condition that minimizes total drag and maximizes lift-to-drag ratio.

Supervisor: Prof. J. Huynh (UCI)

Multi-Stage Axial Compressor Design

This project presents the design of a seven-stage axial compressor with a target stage pressure ratio of 1.415 and a 50% reaction degree. Analytical methods, velocity triangle construction, and radial equilibrium were used to define stage-wise flow properties. Stage 4 blades were designed using NACA 65-series airfoils and tested via CFD to evaluate performance, with velocity and pressure distributions compared at tip, pitchline, and hub.

Supervisor: Prof. F. Liu (UCI)

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