Engineering a Multifaceted Future for Mobility

Abstract:  

The future of mobility demands a multifaceted approach to powertrain solutions, embracing diversity to meet global energy, environmental, and economic challenges. While electrification is a critical piece of the puzzle, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. This talk will explore the complementary roles of combustion, hybrid, electric, and emerging powertrain technologies, emphasizing how advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools are driving their design and optimization. By adopting an eclectic strategy and leveraging CFD, engineers can create sustainable systems that maximize efficiency, reduce emissions, and adapt to the evolving needs of society.

Bio:

Dr. Kelly Senecal is a co-founder of Convergent Science, an industry leading computational fluid dynamics software company. He is a visiting professor at the University of Oxford, an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and a co-founder and director of the Computational Chemistry Consortium (C3). Dr. Senecal is a Fellow of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and the Combustion Institute (CI). He is currently Chair of the executive committee of the ASME ICE Division and a member of the board of directors of the Combustion Institute. Recent accolades include the 2019 ASME ICE Award, the 2023 SAE John Johnson Diesel Engine Research Medal, and the 2023 ASME Dedicated Service Award. Dr. Senecal has long been an advocate of creating cleaner propulsion systems, with a particular focus on using CFD and HPC to enable faster design. Starting with his TEDx talk in late 2016, he has promoted a diverse mix of transportation technologies through invited talks, articles, and social media. Dr. Senecal is co-author of the book Racing Toward Zero: The Untold Story of Driving Green, winner of the 2022 Independent Press Award for Environment.