Sam Joe Chintagunti

Hello Everyone!!

Welcome!

I am Sam Joe Chintagunti, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, specializing in Fluid and Thermal Sciences. I work in the Engine Research Lab under the guidance of Prof. Avinash Kumar Agarwal in the field of Advanced Internal Combustion Engine Technologies and Alternative Fuels.

My research focuses on the application of optical diagnostic techniques to investigate atomization, fuel–air mixing, and combustion processes in next-generation engine technologies. Using advanced imaging methods, I aim to enhance our understanding of spray dynamics and combustion behavior, particularly in the context of low-carbon fuels and low temperature combustion.

This website provides an overview of my research work, publications, and ongoing efforts in the area of clean and efficient combustion technologies.

About my lab

The Engine Research Laboratory (ERL) was established in 2005 within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kanpur, under the leadership of Prof. Avinash Kumar Agarwal. The lab is dedicated to advancing research in internal combustion engines, focusing on engine performance, emissions, alternative fuels, and tribological studies.

ERL is one of the first labs in India working toward the integration of laser-based diagnostics and micro-sensor technologies into engine research. It houses two optical engines and several fully instrumented single- and multi-cylinder engine test benches, enabling comprehensive investigations across a variety of combustion systems and fuel types.

As part of my research at ERL, I am actively involved in the design and development of a Constant Volume Combustion Chamber (CVCC), aimed at studying premixed combustion phenomena under controlled conditions. This setup supports detailed optical diagnostics to better understand spray behavior, ignition dynamics, and fuel–air mixing in advanced engine-relevant environments.