Fabian Hampp, SimTech Associated Researcher and Emmy Noether Junior Research Group Leader at the Institute of Combustion Technology for Aerospace Engineering, has been awarded the 2025 Wilhelm-Jost-Prize by the German Section of The Combustion Institute. The prize recognizes outstanding scientific achievements by early-career researchers in combustion science.
Fabian Hampp is being honoured for pioneering contributions that minimise non-CO₂ emissions in combustion systems by advancing the understanding of turbulent reacting multiphase flows. In close collaboration with SimTech, Hampp and his team investigate how turbulent flows, chemical reactions, and multiphase processes interact, drive the formation of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and soot, and how these can be prevented or mitigated.
Fabian Hampp's Emmy Noether group is directly involved in the SimTech project PN 1A-6 “Experimental data-driven multi-phase flow simulations.” Here, he combines experimental laser-based diagnostics, numerical simulations, and machine learning to provide a super-resolution in scalar space beyond what can be measured. This close coupling can unravel complex causal chains such as the influence of primary atomization on vaporization, soot formation, and oxidation – that would be difficult to access with either experiments or simulations alone.
These insights are foundational for the development of fuel- and load-flexible combustion concepts which, in combination with carbon-neutral chemical energy carriers, enable near-zero-emission operation of future combustion technologies. Fabian Hampp's research, both in his Emmy Noether group and at SimTech, thus contributes significantly to more sustainable propulsion and energy systems.
“With this motivational boost, we will continue advancing the understanding of turbulent reacting multiphase flows through machine learning augmented diagnostics and, together with additive manufacturing, translate these insights into enhanced fuel flexibility, reduced emissions and a lower climate impact of future combustion technologies” emphasizes Fabian Hampp.
The Wilhelm-Jost-Prize is awarded to young scientists who completed their doctorates no more than ten years ago. It is awarded every two years and is endowed with 3,000 Euros.