WELCOME TO THE KRIBS RESEARCH GROUP
Exploring the Wonders of Combustion, Aerodynamics, Structures, and Engineering Education
My research aims to understand the concepts and mechanisms of lifted jet combustion, electrohydrodynamics, aerodynamics, composite structures, and engineering education . I use advanced techniques and technologies to explore these topics. My students and I currently work at North Carolina A&T State University in the Applied Engineering Technology Department, as part of the College of Science and Technology
ABOUT
I earned my PhD in Mechanical Engineering from North Carolina State University in 2013, working on various projects in electrohydrodynamics and combustion. I worked as Director of Undergraduate Labs at NCSU for 6 years, which expanded my research into engineering education. Now, I serve as an assistant professor at NC A&T.
MY RESEARCH
My current research is focusing on applying high potential electric fields on flame stability and emissions, the use of plasma discharges for improving performance of airfoils and flight stability, and into exposure effects and the Dunning-Kruger effect in engineering students and in engineering situations.
ELECTRIC FIELDS IN COMBUSTION
Building upon work done during my dissertation, by applying a high voltage electric field at the base of a lifted, jet flame (a flame not stabilized on a burner), the flame will maintain a position above the burner, and will see a decrease in certain emissions.
PLASMA DISCHARGES IN AERODYNAMICS
As a continuation of previous work into ionic air moving devices, we have started research into using high potential electric fields to improve the lift/ drag profiles of wings and airfoils. By applying electric fields, we can increase or decrease boundary layer separation from the airfoil.
EXPOSURE EFFECTS IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION
In an effort to understand how engineering students and technical audiences come to estimate their own understanding of complex engineering topics, we have conducted a series of studies on how students learn about these topics compared to how well they perceive their understanding.
CONTACT ME
Price Hall, Room 124A
402 Laurel Street
Greensboro, NC 27411
336-285-2852
About Me.
I am Dr. James Kribs, an instructor in the Applied Engineering Technology Department. I teach classes in the Automotive Engineering Technology, including
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AET 151- Introduction to Automotive Engineering Technology
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AET 476- Composite Materials Fabrication
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AET 675- Digital and Smart Manufacturing
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AST 992- Doctoral Research Seminar- Technology Management
Education
2010-2013
Doctor of Philosophy
North Carolina State University
• Stabilization mechanisms of lifted jet flames under the influence of high potential electric fields
• Influences of nitrogen dilution and hydrogen enrichment on flame height and structure, including comparisons of flame luminosity due to gaseous fuel mixtures, focusing on methane, ethylene, and propane flames
• Construction of ionic air moving devices using electrohydrodynamics for computer cooling application.
2008-2010
MS in Mechanical Engineering
North Carolina State University
Research and Teaching Assistant for MAE Dept.
2007-2010
BS in Mechanical Engineering and Political Science
Benjamin Franklin Scholar