Isaac Wesley Ekoto

Manager, Engine Combustion

Sandia National Laboratories, California
P.O. Box 969
Livermore, CA 94551-0969

Biography

Isaac Ekoto earned his PhD in Aerospace Engineering at Texas A&M University in 2006. Isaac has been at Sandia National Laboratories since 2007 where he has worked on projects related to diesel engine combustion and hydrogen safety. He currently is the Principal Investigator of the Gasoline Combustion Fundamentals (GCF) lab, commissioned in 2015 to enable fundamental light-duty reciprocating engine ignition and combustion studies. Experiments are performed in both an instrumented, optically accessible, single-cylinder research engine and in a purpose-built ignition and combustion flow and static cells. The primary focus of GCF research has been in conventional spark as well as advanced ignition systems for high-efficiency and low pollutant emission operating modes. Researchers apply non-intrusive optical diagnostics as needed to obtain quantitative and qualitative measurements of different flow and combustion processes. Resulting data directly inform companion DOE modeling efforts. The GCF lab is also used for various short-term industry and DOE funded projects that are used to accelerate the development and deployment of next-generation automotive engine technologies.

Education

Degree	Major	Institution	Location	Year Completed
PhD	Aerospace Engineering	Texas A&M University	College Station, Texas	2005

Professional Organizations & Leadership
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers-ASME
International, Partnership for Advanced Combustion Engines (PACE) Leadership Team

Publications

Pablo Martinez-Hernandiz, Francesco Di Sabatino, Ricardo Novella, Isaac Ekoto, (2022). A Numerical and Experimental Investigation on Different Strategies to Evaluate Heat Release Rate and Performance of a Passive Pre-Chamber Ignition System SAE Technical Papers https://doi.org/10.4271/2022-01-0386 Publication ID: 76378

Isaac Ekoto, (2021). An Overview of Sandia National Laboratories Alternative Ignition Research https://doi.org/10.2172/1899497 Publication ID: 76811

Isaac Ekoto, Brian Peterson, (2021). Single-Zone Modeling of the NVO Period https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1889602 Publication ID: 75563

Isaac Ekoto, Francesco Di Sabatino, James MacDonald, (2021). ACE141: Advanced Ignition System Fundamentals https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1869236 Publication ID: 78510

Isaac Ekoto, Sayan Biswas, (2020). Automotive Nanosecond Repetitively Pulsed Discharge Research at Sandia National Laboratories https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1813006 Publication ID: 74468

Isaac Ekoto, (2020). Advanced Igntion System Fundamentals https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1781771 Publication ID: 73400

Sayan Biswas, Isaac Ekoto, (2020). Ignition Mechanism of Low-Temperature Transient Plasma https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1765102 Publication ID: 72443

Sayan Biswas, Isaac Ekoto, (2020). Ozone Added Spark Assisted Compression Ignition Energy, Environment, and Sustainability https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1763227 Publication ID: 64716

Sayan Biswas, Isaac Ekoto, (2019). Plasma Ignition and Turbulent Jet Ignition: Advanced Ignition System for Automotive Application https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1643385 Publication ID: 66901

Sayan Biswas, Isaac Ekoto, (2019). Spark Assisted Compression Ignition Engine with Stratified Charge Combustion and Ozone Addition https://doi.org/10.4271/2019-01-2253 Publication ID: 70622

Isaac Ekoto, Sayan Biswas, (2019). Spark Assisted Compression Ignition with Stratified Charge Combustion and Ozone Addition https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1639896 Publication ID: 68330

Isaac Ekoto, Sayan Biswas, Riccardo Scarcelli, (2018). Transient Plasma Ignition for Automotive Applications https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1761112 Publication ID: 60417

Isaac Ekoto, Benjamin Wolk, William Northrop, Nils Hansen, Kai Moshammer, (2017). Tailoring Charge Reactivity Using In-Cylinder Generated Reformate for Gasoline Compression Ignition Strategies Journal of Engineering for Gas Turbines and Power https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4037207 Publication ID: 63965

Isaac Ekoto, (2017). Gasoline Combustion Fundamentals DOE FY17 Report https://doi.org/10.2172/1409922 Publication ID: 54296

Isaac Ekoto, Benjamin Wolk, William Northrop, (2017). Energy Analysis of Low-Load Low-Temperature Gasoline Combustion with Auxiliary-Fueled Negative Valve Overlap SAE International Journal of Engines https://doi.org/10.4271/2017-01-0729 Publication ID: 55107

Benjamin Wolk, Isaac Ekoto, (2017). Calorimetry and Imaging of Plasma Produced by a Pulsed Nanosecond Discharge Igniter in EGR Gases at Engine-Relevant Densities SAE International Journal of Engines https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1409886 Publication ID: 47801

Benjamin Wolk, Isaac Ekoto, (2017). Calorimetry and Imaging of Plasma Produced by Nanosecond Discharges https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1456352 Publication ID: 55535

Isaac Ekoto, Benjamin Wolk, Isaac Ekoto, (2017). Calorimetry and Imaging of Plasma Produced by a Pulsed Nanosecond Discharge Igniter in EGR Gases at Engine-Relevant Densities https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1424564 Publication ID: 55106

Benjamin Wolk, Isaac Ekoto, (2017). The impact of carbon dioxide and water on single-pulse nanosecond discharge behavior at elevated density 10th U.S. National Combustion Meeting https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1424563 Publication ID: 55105

Benjamin Wolk, Isaac Ekoto, (2016). Calorimetry and Atomic Oxygen LIF of Pulsed Nanosecond Discharges at Above-Atmospheric Pressures https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1408372 Publication ID: 47531

Benjamin Wolk, Isaac Ekoto, (2016). Calorimetry and O-PLIF of Pulsed Nanosecond Discharges at Above-Atmospheric Pressures https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1377156 Publication ID: 51825

Benjamin Wolk, Isaac Ekoto, (2016). Calorimetry and Atomic Oxygen Laser-Induced Fluorescence of Pulsed Nanosecond Discharges at Above-Atmospheric Pressures https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45504-4_10 Publication ID: 51672

Isaac Ekoto, (2016). Tailoring charge reactivity using fuel reformate for gasoline compression ignition strategies https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1373634 Publication ID: 51401

Myra Blaylock, Radoslav Bozinoski, Isaac Ekoto, (2016). Analysis of a Full Scale Blowdown Due to a Mechanical Failure of a Pressure Relief Device in a Natural Gas Vehicle Maintenance Facility https://doi.org/10.2172/1561494 Publication ID: 49947

Benjamin Wolk, Isaac Ekoto, William Northrop, (2016). Investigation of Fuel Effects on In-Cylinder Reforming Chemistry Using Gas Chromatography SAE International Journal of Engines https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1342366 Publication ID: 46891

Benjamin Wolk, Isaac Ekoto, (2015). Investigation of Fuel Effects on In-Cylinder Reforming Chemistry using Gas Chromatography https://doi.org/10.4271/2016-01-0753 Publication ID: 41781

Xuefang Li, Ethan Hecht, Isaac Ekoto, (2015). Validated equivalent source model for an underexpanded hydrogen jet https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1332893 Publication ID: 46136

Isaac Ekoto, Scott Skeen, Richard Steeper, Nils Hansen, (2015). Detailed Characterization of Negative Valve Overlap Chemistry by Photoionization Mass Spectroscopy SAE International Journal of Engines https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1258186 Publication ID: 43534

Chris LaFleur, Ethan Hecht, Isaac Ekoto, (2015). Cryogenic Hydrogen Release Modeling Validation ? Update for Hydrogen Safety Panel https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1248648 Publication ID: 42908

Ethan Hecht, Xuefang Li, Isaac Ekoto, (2015). Validated equivalent source model for an underexpanded hydrogen jet https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1249300 Publication ID: 43171

Ethan Hecht, Chris LaFleur, Isaac Ekoto, (2015). Cryogenic Hydrogen Release Modeling Validation – Update for Hydrogen Safety Panel https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1240258 Publication ID: 42267

A. Ruggles, Isaac Ekoto, (2014). Experimental investigation of nozzle aspect ratio effects on underexpanded hydrogen jet release characteristics International Journal of Hydrogen Energy https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1078960 Publication ID: 33386

Isaac Ekoto, A. Ruggles, L. Creitz, J. Li, (2014). Updated jet flame radiation modeling with buoyancy corrections International Journal of Hydrogen Energy https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2014.03.235 Publication ID: 35540

Brian Peterson, Isaac Ekoto, William Northrop, (2014). Investigation of NVO partial products utilizing gas sampling and single-zone chemistry modeling https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1242134 Publication ID: 39350

Isaac Ekoto, Ethan Hecht, Christopher San Marchi, Katrina Groth, Chris LaFleur, Nitin Natesan, Michael Ciotti, Aaron Harris, (2014). Liquid Hydrogen Release Risk and Behavior Modeling: State-of-the-Art Knowledge Gaps and Research Needs for Refueling Infrastructure Safety https://doi.org/10.2172/1160297 Publication ID: 39080

Ethan Hecht, Isaac Ekoto, Christopher San Marchi, (2014). Modeling Plumes from Cryogenic Hydrogen Sources https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1494243 Publication ID: 37760

Isaac Ekoto, A. Ruggles, (2013). Experimental investigation of nozzle aspect ratio effects on underexpanded hydrogen jet release characteristics https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1109039 Publication ID: 35539

W. Houf, G. Evans, Isaac Ekoto, E. Merilo, M. Groethe, (2013). Hydrogen fuel-cell forklift vehicle releases in enclosed spaces International Journal of Hydrogen Energy https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1108628 Publication ID: 22161

Isaac Ekoto, Katrina Groth, Brian Somerday, Christopher Moen, Aaron Harris, A. Ruggles, Jeffrey LaChance, Christopher San Marchi, Terry Johnson, (2013). QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORT FOR JANUARY 1 2012-MARCH 31 2012 https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1694408 Publication ID: 33445

Isaac Ekoto, (2013). Engineering Model Development into Hydrogen Dispersion Ignition and Combustion Phenomena https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1073458 Publication ID: 32857

Isaac Ekoto, A. Ruggles, (2013). UPDATED JET FLAME RADIATION MODELING WITH CORRECTIONS FOR BUOYANCY AND WIND https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1078851 Publication ID: 33148

A. Ruggles, Isaac Ekoto, (2013). Radial probability density function characterization for self-similar turbulent hydrogen jets Proposed for publication in Journal of Fluid Mechanics. https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1068505 Publication ID: 32430

Isaac Ekoto, William Houf, A. Ruggles, Leonard Creitz, Jimmy Li, (2012). Large-scale hydrogen jet flame radiant fraction measurements and modeling Proceedings of the Biennial International Pipeline Conference, IPC https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1061221 Publication ID: 30154

Isaac Ekoto, (2012). General Release Behavior R&D for H2 Safety Codes & Standards https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1061103 Publication ID: 29989

Isaac Ekoto, A. Ruggles, (2012). Flame light up behavior in hydrogen jets https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1067642 Publication ID: 28432

Isaac Ekoto, A. Ruggles, (2012). Large-scale hydrogen jet flame safety boundaries https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1094970 Publication ID: 28433

Laura Biedermann, Stephanie Teich-McGoldrick, Jose Cruz-Campa, Isaac Ekoto, Summer Ferreira, Lisa Hall, Xiaohua Liu, Yanli Liu, Dorina Sava Gallis, (2012). Postdoctoral program guidelines https://doi.org/10.2172/1044950 Publication ID: 27686

William Houf, Jeffrey LaChance, Isaac Ekoto, A. Ruggles, Jay Keller, (2011). Hydrogen Safety Codes and Standards R&D – Release Behavior https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1661817 Publication ID: 23583

William Houf, Jeffrey LaChance, Isaac Ekoto, A. Ruggles, Jay Keller, Daniel Dedrick, (2011). Hydrogen Safety Codes and Standards R&D – Release Behavior https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1661818 Publication ID: 23586

Gregory Evans, Isaac Ekoto, (2011). Viewgraphs for H2 Fuel Cell Forklift Presentation for Annual Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Energy Conference https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1110268 Publication ID: 21515

Gregory Evans, Isaac Ekoto, (2011). Hydrogen Releases and Ignition from Fuel-Cell Forklift Vehicles in Enclosed Spaces https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1110270 Publication ID: 21493

Gregory Evans, Isaac Ekoto, (2010). Hydrogen releases and ignition from fuel-cell forklift vehicles in enclosed spaces https://www.osti.gov/biblio/1028319 Publication ID: 19986

William Colban, Paul Miles, Isaac Ekoto, (2008). In-Cylinder PIV Measurements in an Optical Light-Duty Diesel at LTC Conditions https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1142976 Publication ID: 14276

Paul Miles, Isaac Ekoto, William Colban, (2008). In-cylinder CO and UHC imaging in a light-duty diesel engine during PPCI low-temperature combustion https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/1146029 Publication ID: 13233

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