Robert Evans

Professor Emeritus

B.A.Sc. (British Columbia), M.A.Sc. (Toronto), Ph.D. (Cambridge),P. Eng.,
FCAE, C.Eng., FIMechE, Fellow SAE, Methanex Professor of Clean Energy Research

 

ph: (604) 822-3484
fx: (604) 822-2403
email: evans@mech.ubc.ca
lab website: UBC Clean Energy Research Centre

 

PLEASE NOTE: I am no longer accepting graduate student applicants.

 

Research Interests

  • Energy Conversion
  • Energy Policy
  • IC Engines
  • Thermal Power Generation

Current Research Work

  • The development of sustainable energy supplies is of fundamental importance to the modern world. As Director of the new Clean Energy Research Centre, I am interested in all aspects of energy conversion systems, particularly those that will be used to reduce our overwhelming reliance on fossil fuels.
  • Mixture motion in the combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine has an important impact on engine performance and exhaust emissions. Research work in this area is aimed at obtaining a better understanding of the relationships between combustion chamber design, turbulence generation, and engine performance. A new form of combustion chamber for spark-ignited engines in which it is possible to tailor the scale and intensity of turbulence prior to ignition has been developed. A partially stratified-charge engine combustion concept has also been patented, and is the focus of much of the engine research currently underway. A Ricardo Hydra single-cylinder research engine and AVL exhaust emissions analyzers, as well as a unique rapid-intake and compression machine, are used for research work directed at reducing exhaust emissions and increasing engine efficiency.

Selected Publications

  • Evans, R.L., “Fueling Our Future: An Introduction to Sustainable Energy”, Cambridge University Press, 180 pp., 2007.
  • Lappas, P., and Evans, R.L., “An Experimental and Computational Study of Flow in the Squish-Jet Combustion Chamber”, International Journal of Engine Research, vol. 7, No. 6, pp. 471-487, 2006.
  • Reynolds, C., and Evans, R.L., “Improving emissions and performance characteristics of lean burn natural gas engines through partial-stratification”, International Journal of Engine Research , vol. 5, No. 1, 2004.
  • Evans, R.L., “A Control Method for Spark Ignition Engines”, U.S. Patent No. 6,032,640, 2000.
  • Das, A.K., and Evans, R.L., “An Experimental Technique for Fractal Analysis of Turbulent Flames”, Experiments in Fluids , Vol. 22, pp. 312-320, 1997.
  • Evans, R.L., ed., “Automotive Engine Alternatives”, Plenum Press, 265 pp., 1987.