Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The National Science Foundation's Directorate for Engineering (NSF/ENG, CFDA 47.041) awarded Princeton University $400,000 through a Project Grant mechanism effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, to conduct fundamental research on metal surface nitridation during ammonia combustion at elevated pressures. The research will deliver experimental data and computational models addressing a critical degradation mechanism that threatens the viability of ammonia as an alternative fuel. Princeton's research team will construct a novel high-pressure, well-stirred turbulent combustor equipped with advanced in-situ and operando laser diagnostics to systematically measure chemical compounds formed during combustion and their effects on surface nitridation of carbon steel and nickel components. In parallel, the project will develop an integrated computational model leveraging ab initio quantum chemistry, machine learning algorithms, and simulation tools to investigate nitridation mechanisms and morphological evolution at high temperatures and pressures.

Beyond technical research outputs, the award supports workforce development by providing training and mentorship for postdoctoral researchers, graduate students, and high school students in energy engineering disciplines. The research directly addresses a gap in the scientific literature regarding nitridation-induced porosity and mechanical property degradation in combustor components, generating mechanistic insights necessary to advance ammonia's adoption as a scalable, transportable fuel aligned with national energy security priorities.