Tools for the Algorithmic Analysis of Chemical and Biochemical Mechanisms
Chemical kinetics applied in Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI)
Biochemical Metabolic Networks applied in Cell functions
Tools for the Algorithmic Analysis of Chemical and Biochemical Mechanisms
In this project algorithmic tools will be used for the construction of simplified mathematical models in the next fields:
- Chemical kinetics applied in Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI)
- Biochemical Metabolic Networks applied in Cell functions
This action aims at developing Algorithms:
- for the construction of low dimensional models that can replace the originall large ones, providing similar accuracy
- for the identification of the dominant physical components which determine the dynamics of the system and must be modeled more accurately than the rest.
These two applications (HCCI) and functions of the cell are chosen due to their current importance, regarding the energy and biotechnology sectors, respectively . In particular, since (HCCI) engines operate with lean fuel mixtures and produce extremely low levels of NOx emission, they are receiving renewed attention from the energy sector. On the other hand, cell functions determine the biochemical and physiological properties of the cell, providing thus the means to understand and influence the various molecular functions of living organisms.
This action is expected to result in:
- the development of significant algorithmic tools for the analysis of large and complex mathematical models
- the acquisition of significant physical understanding of the operation ot (HCCI) engines and selected cell functions
People
Researcher: Dimitris A.Goussis, website: (http://users.ntua.gr/dagoussi)
Researcher A: Dimitris T.Maris, website: (http://users.ntua.gr/dmaris)
Researcher B: Dimitris M.Manias, website: (http://users.ntua.gr/dimanias)
Researcher C: Kostas Michos, currently working at Ricardo Deutschland, email: (mihoskon@hotmail.com)
Projects
Chemical kinetics applied in Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI)
HCCI engines were introduced in the 19th century. HCCI engines provide up to a 30-percent fuel savings, while meeting current emissions standards. Since HCCI engines are fuel-lean, they can operate at a Diesel-like compression ratios (>15), thus achieving higher efficiencies than conventional spark-ignited gasoline engines.[1] Homogeneous mixing of fuel and air leads to cleaner combustion and lower emissions. Actually, because peak temperatures are significantly lower than in typical spark ignited engines, NOx levels are almost negligible. Additionally, the premixed lean mixture does not produce soot. Their main disadnantage is that their handling is difficult due to the difficulty in controlling ignition timing. The energy needs today show that the handling of engines and defining the processes that control ignition is of great importance.
Biochemical Metabolic Networks applied in Cell functions
Inside the cell various biochemical mechanisms are developed that include managing of mass and energy. These mechanisms are controlled by a big number of proteins (enzymes), which they react. In this way there are formed biochemical (or metabolical) mechanisms. The metabolical function of the cell is notably robust.This robustness is attributed in the complexity of the dynamic dependance between the various mechanisms that co-exist.The study of this dependance between the basic characteristics of each mechanism attracts great scientific interest in the area of Systems Biology.
Publications