Bio

The Edwards research group is focused on fundamental research for advanced energy technologies. The group performs theoretical and experimental studies of energy transformations such that the conversion process can be made cleaner, more efficient, and more controllable than has been possible with traditional technologies. Applications include advanced transportation engines (piston and turbine) and advanced electric power generation with carbon mitigation.

Academic Appointments

  • Emeritus Faculty, Acad Council, Mechanical Engineering

Honors & Awards

  • PEP Award-Best Paper of 2009, International Journal of Engine Research (2009)
  • Senior Fellow, Precourt Institute for Energy (2009)
  • Walter J Gores Award, Stanford University (2008)
  • John Henry Samter University Fellow in Undergraduate Education, Stanford University (2008-2012)
  • The Rudolf Kalman Award, ASME Dynamic Systems and Control Division (2005)
  • John Henry Samter University Fellow in Undergraduate Education, Stanford University (2002-2007)
  • Professor of the Year, Stanford University Society of Women Engineers (2001-2002)
  • Tau Beta Pi Undergraduate Teaching Award, Stanford University (2000)
  • Phi Beta Kappa Undergraduate Teaching Prize, Stanford University (1999)
  • Teacher of the Year, Stanford University Society of Women Engineers (1999)
  • The Bing Fellowship, Stanford University (1998-2001)
  • Tanasawa Award, International Conference on Liquid Atomization and Spray Systems (1994)
  • Adams Award, Sandia National Laboratories (1994)
  • W. Robert Marshall Award, Institute of Liquid Atomization and Spray Systems (1994)
  • Starkman Memorial Award, University of California, Berkeley (1983)

Boards, Advisory Committees, Professional Organizations

  • Distinguished Member of Technical Staff, Sandia National Labs (1995 - 1995)

Professional Education

  • PhD, UC Berkeley, Mechanical Engineering (1985)

Contact

  • Academic
    christopher.edwards@stanford.edu
    University - Emeritus faculty Department: Mechanical Engineering Position: Emeritus Faculty, Acad Council
    • Bldg 520, Room 121
    • Stanford,  California  94305-3032 
    (650) 723-1748 (fax)

Additional Info

  • Mail Code: 3032
  • Other Names:
    C. F. Edwards
    Chris Edwards

2023-24 Courses

All Publications

  • Maximum-efficiency architectures for heat- and work-regenerative gas turbine engines ENERGY Ramakrishnan, S., Edwards, C. F. 2016; 100: 115-128

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.energy.2016.01.044

    View details for Web of Science ID 000375167100013

  • Maximum-efficiency architectures for steady-flow combustion engines, I: Attractor trajectory optimization approach ENERGY Ramakrishnan, S., Edwards, C. F. 2014; 72: 44-57

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.energy.2014.04.085

    View details for Web of Science ID 000340321100004

  • Maximum-efficiency architectures for steady-flow combustion engines, II: Work-regenerative gas turbine engines ENERGY Ramakrishnan, S., Edwards, C. F. 2014; 72: 58-68

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.energy.2014.05.074

    View details for Web of Science ID 000340321100005

  • Unifying principles of irreversibility minimization for efficiency maximization in steady-flow chemically-reactive engines ENERGY Ramakrishnan, S., Edwards, C. F. 2014; 68: 844-853

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.energy.2014.02.052

    View details for Web of Science ID 000335874300088

  • Prospects for High-Temperature Combustion, Neat Alcohol-Fueled Diesel Engines SAE Int. J. Engines Roberts, G., Johnson, B. J., Edwards, C. F. 2014; 7 (1): 448-457

    View details for DOI 10.4271/2014-01-1194

  • Thermodynamic benchmarking of CO2 capture systems: Exergy analysis methodology for adsorption processes 12TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON GREENHOUSE GAS CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES, GHGT-12 Calbry-Muzyka, A. S., Edwards, C. F. 2014; 63: 1-17

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.egypro.2014.11.002

    View details for Web of Science ID 000361211500001

  • Overcoming Pressure Waves to Achieve High Load HCCI Combustion SAE 2014 World Congress & Exhibition Blumreiter, J., Edwards, C. F. 2014

    View details for DOI 10.4271/2014-01-1269

  • Homogeneous charge compression ignition with nondilute stoichiometric methane-air at extreme compression ratios INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINE RESEARCH Svrcek, M. N., Edwards, C. F. 2013; 14 (5): 479-495

    View details for DOI 10.1177/1468087413481217

    View details for Web of Science ID 000325476400006

  • The utility of environmental exergy analysis for decision making in energy ENERGY Simpson, A. P., Edwards, C. F. 2013; 55: 742-751

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.energy.2012.12.038

    View details for Web of Science ID 000321228400073

  • SUPERCRITICAL AUTO-THERMAL RANKINE (SCATR) SYSTEM: HIGH EFFICIENCY FOSSIL FUEL BASED ELECTRICITY WITH INTRINSIC CARBON SEPARATION ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition Calbry-Muzyka, A. S., Mobley, P. D., Edwards, C. F. AMER SOC MECHANICAL ENGINEERS. 2013: 265–274

    View details for Web of Science ID 000350070400030

  • Exploring the Pathway to High Efficiency IC Engines through Exergy Analysis of Heat Transfer Reduction SAE Int. J. Engines Johnson, B. J., Edwards, C. F. 2013; 6 (1): 150-166

    View details for DOI 10.4271/2013-01-0278

  • Understanding the Thermodynamic Possibilities and Limitations of the Solid-oxide Fuel Cell, Gas Turbine Double Cycle 11th International Energy Conversion Engineering Conference Pass, R. Z., Ramakrishnan, S., Edwards, C. F. 2013

    View details for DOI 10.2514/6.2013-3673

  • EXERGY ANALYSIS OF A SOLID-OXIDE FUEL CELL, GAS TURBINE, STEAM TURBINE TRIPLE-CYCLE POWER PLANT ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition Pass, R. Z., Edwards, C. F. AMER SOC MECHANICAL ENGINEERS. 2013: 255–263

    View details for Web of Science ID 000350070400029

  • Emissions from an extreme-compression, free-piston engine with diesel-style combustion INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINE RESEARCH Svrcek, M. N., Edwards, C. F. 2012; 13 (3): 238-252

    View details for DOI 10.1177/1468087411435207

    View details for Web of Science ID 000305467900006

  • EXERGY ANALYSIS OF COAL ENERGY CONVERSION WITH CARBON SEQUESTRATION VIA COMBUSTION IN SUPERCRITICAL SALINE AQUIFER WATER ASME 5th International Conference on Energy Sustainability Mobley, P. D., Pass, R. Z., Edwards, C. F. AMER SOC MECHANICAL ENGINEERS. 2012: 1987–1995

    View details for Web of Science ID 000321076701044

  • Optimal Architecture for Efficient Simple-Cycle Steady-Flow Combustion Engines JOURNAL OF PROPULSION AND POWER Ramakrishnan, S., Teh, K., Miller, S. L., Edwards, C. F. 2011; 27 (4): 873-883

    View details for DOI 10.2514/1.B34050

    View details for Web of Science ID 000293149700015

  • Assessing the feasibility of increasing engine efficiency through extreme compression INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINE RESEARCH Miller, S. L., Svrcek, M. N., Teh, K., Edwards, C. F. 2011; 12 (3): 293-307

    View details for DOI 10.1177/1468087411404299

    View details for Web of Science ID 000293478500010

  • An exergy-based framework for evaluating environmental impact ENERGY Simpson, A. P., Edwards, C. F. 2011; 36 (3): 1442-1459

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.energy.2011.01.025

    View details for Web of Science ID 000289337600009

  • Requirements for designing chemical engines with reversible reactions ENERGY Miller, S. L., Svrcek, M. N., Teh, K., Edwards, C. F. 2011; 36 (1): 99-110

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.energy.2010.11.002

    View details for Web of Science ID 000286781800011

  • A Methodology for Determining Optimal Architectures for Heat-and-Work Regenerative Steady-Flow Combustion Engines 42nd AIAA Thermophysics Conference Ramakrishnan, S., Edwards, C. F. 2011

    View details for DOI 10.2514/6.2011-3773

  • DIESEL SPRAY BEHAVIOR AT COMPRESSION RATIOS UP TO 100:1 ATOMIZATION AND SPRAYS Svrcek, M. N., Miller, S. L., Edwards, C. F. 2010; 20 (5): 453-465

    View details for Web of Science ID 000282533100006

  • IDENTIFICATION OF OPTIMAL ARCHITECTURE FOR EFFICIENT SIMPLE-CYCLE GAS TURBINE ENGINES ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition Ramakrishnan, S., Teh, K., Edwards, C. F. AMER SOC MECHANICAL ENGINEERS. 2010: 539–548

    View details for Web of Science ID 000282725100063

  • REDUCING COMBUSTION IRREVERSIBILITY THROUGH EXTREME COMPRESSION: ANALYZING DEVICE PERFORMANCE ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition Miller, S. L., Svrcek, M. N., Wilson, J. N., LaCroix, O., Edwards, C. F. AMER SOC MECHANICAL ENGINEERS. 2010: 239–248

    View details for Web of Science ID 000282341200029

  • Coal energy conversion with carbon sequestration via combustion in supercritical saline aquifer water INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF GREENHOUSE GAS CONTROL Heberle, J. R., Edwards, C. F. 2009; 3 (5): 568-576

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijggc.2009.05.001

    View details for Web of Science ID 000268949300007

  • Experimental study of recompression reaction for low-load operation in direct-injection homogeneous charge compression ignition engines with n-heptane and i-octane fuels INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINE RESEARCH Song, H. H., Padmanabhan, A., Kaahaaina, N. B., Edwards, C. F. 2009; 10 (4): 215-229

    View details for DOI 10.1243/14680874JER03309

    View details for Web of Science ID 000270216300002

  • Understanding chemical effects in low-load-limit extension of homogeneous charge compression ignition engines via recompression reaction INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINE RESEARCH Song, H. H., Edwards, C. F. 2009; 10 (4): 231-250

    View details for DOI 10.1243/14680874JER03409

    View details for Web of Science ID 000270216300003

  • Coal energy conversion with carbon sequestration via combustion in supercritical saline aquifer water GREENHOUSE GAS CONTROL TECHNOLOGIES 9 Heberle, J. R., Edwards, C. F. 2009; 1 (1): 4055-4062

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.egypro.2009.02.212

    View details for Web of Science ID 000276074404010

  • Thermodynamic requirements for maximum internal combustion engine cycle efficiency. Part 1: optimal combustion strategy INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINE RESEARCH Teh, K., Miller, S. L., Edwards, C. F. 2008; 9 (6): 449-465

    View details for DOI 10.1243/14680874JER01508

    View details for Web of Science ID 000261280900002

  • Thermodynamic requirements for maximum internal combustion engine cycle efficiency. Part 2: work extraction and reactant preparation strategies INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENGINE RESEARCH Teh, K., Miller, S. L., Edwards, C. F. 2008; 9 (6): 467-481

    View details for DOI 10.1243/14680874JER01608

    View details for Web of Science ID 000261280900003

  • An optimal control approach to minimizing entropy generation in an adiabatic internal combustion engine JOURNAL OF DYNAMIC SYSTEMS MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME Teh, K., Edwards, C. F. 2008; 130 (4)

    View details for DOI 10.1115/1.2936864

    View details for Web of Science ID 000257132800008

  • Effects of pressure on performance of mesoscale burner arrays for gas-turbine applications JOURNAL OF PROPULSION AND POWER Bardos, A., Walters, K. M., Boutross, M. G., Lee, S., Edwards, C. F., Bowman, C. T. 2007; 23 (4): 884-886

    View details for DOI 10.2514/1.26255

    View details for Web of Science ID 000248073000032

  • Mesoscale burner Arrays for gas-turbine reheat applications JOURNAL OF PROPULSION AND POWER Lee, S., Svrcek, M., Edwards, C. F., Bowman, C. T. 2006; 22 (2): 417-424

    View details for Web of Science ID 000236087000015

  • Experimental study of confined, swirling, nonpremixed gas flame for validation of simulations JOURNAL OF PROPULSION AND POWER Tribbett, E. J., Sipperley, C. M., Huh, J. Y., Edwards, C. F., Bowman, C. T. 2006; 22 (1): 158-168

    View details for Web of Science ID 000234910900019

  • An optimal control approach to minimizing entropy generation in an adiabatic internal combustion engine 45th IEEE Conference on Decision and Control Teh, K., Edwards, C. F. IEEE. 2006: 6648–6653

    View details for Web of Science ID 000252251601064

  • Dynamic modeling of residual-affected homogeneous charge compression ignition engines with variable valve actuation JOURNAL OF DYNAMIC SYSTEMS MEASUREMENT AND CONTROL-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME Shaver, G. M., Gerdes, J. C., Roelle, M. J., Caton, P. A., Edwards, C. F. 2005; 127 (3): 374-381

    View details for DOI 10.1115/1.1979511

    View details for Web of Science ID 000232071400008

  • Strategies for Achieving Residual-Effected HCCI Using Variable Valve Actuation. SAE. Doc. Caton, P. A., Song, H. H., Kaahaaina, N. B., Edwards, C. F. 2005

    View details for DOI 10.4271/2005-01-0165

  • A physics-based approach to the control of homogeneous charge compression ignition engines with variable valve actuation International Journal of Engine Research Shaver, G. M., Roelle, M. J., Caton, P. A., Kaahaaina, N. B., Ravil, N., Hathout, J., Ahmed, J., Park, S., Edwards, C. F., Gerdes, J. C. 2005; 6 (4): 361-375

    View details for DOI 10.1243/146808705X30512

  • Residual-Effected Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition with Delayed Intake Valve Closing at Elevated Compression Ratio International Journal of Engine Research Caton, P. A., Song, H. H., Kaahaaina, N. B., Edwards, C. F. 2005; 6 (4): 399-419(21)

    View details for DOI 10.1243/146808705X30431

  • RP of Si3N4 burner arrays via assembly mould SDM RAPID PROTOTYPING JOURNAL Liu, H. C., Lee, S., Kang, S., Edwards, C. F., Prinz, F. B. 2004; 10 (4): 239-246

    View details for DOI 10.1108/13552540410551360

    View details for Web of Science ID 000223628300004

  • Development of a temporally modulated fuel injector with controlled spray dynamics 46th International Gas Turbine and Aeroengine Congress and Exhibition Chang, H., Nelson, D., Sipperley, C., Edwards, C. ASME-AMER SOC MECHANICAL ENG. 2003: 284–91

    View details for DOI 10.1115/1.1496118

    View details for Web of Science ID 000180321800036

  • Residual-effected homogeneous charge compression ignition at a low compression ratio using exhaust reinduction International Journal of Engine Research Caton, P. A., Simon, A. J., Gerdes, J. C., Edwards, C. F. 2003; 4 (3): 163-177

    View details for DOI 10.1243/146808703322223306

  • Modeling for control of HCCI engines Annual American Control Conference (ACC 2003) Shaver, G. M., Gerdes, J. C., Jain, P., Caton, P. A., Edwards, C. F. IEEE. 2003: 749–754

    View details for Web of Science ID 000186706200129

  • Computation of spray dynamics by moment transport equations II: Application to calculation of a quasi-one-dimensional spray ATOMIZATION AND SPRAYS Archambault, M. R., Edwards, C. F., MacCormack, R. W. 2003; 13 (1): 89-115

    View details for Web of Science ID 000181748700005

  • Computation of spray dynamics by moment transport equations I: Theory and development ATOMIZATION AND SPRAYS Archambault, M. R., Edwards, C. F., MacCormack, R. W. 2003; 13 (1): 63-87

    View details for Web of Science ID 000181748700004

  • Quasi-steady deformation and drag of uncontaminated liquid drops INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MULTIPHASE FLOW Helenbrook, B. T., Edwards, C. F. 2002; 28 (10): 1631-1657

    View details for Web of Science ID 000178987900003

  • Toward a comprehensive theory of dense spray flows ATOMIZATION AND SPRAYS Edwards, C. F. 2000; 10 (3-5): 335-353

    View details for Web of Science ID 000088254600004

  • Computation of spray dynamics by direct solution of moment transport equations 38th Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit Archambault, M. R., Edwards, C. F. 2000

    View details for DOI 10.2514/6.2000-197

  • The Point-Particle/Continuum-Field Theory of Spray Flows International Journal of Fluid Mechanics Research Edwards, C. F. 1997; 24 (1-3): 149-159

    View details for DOI 10.1615/InterJFluidMechRes.v24.i1-3.150

  • Single-point statistics of ideal sprays .1. Fundamental descriptions and derived quantities ATOMIZATION AND SPRAYS Edwards, C. F., Marx, K. D. 1996; 6 (5): 499-536

    View details for Web of Science ID A1996VP73500001

  • Effect of fuel gas composition and excess air on VOC emissions from a small-scale, industrial-style burner 4th International Congress on Toxic Combustion Byproducts Edwards, C. F., Goix, P. J. TAYLOR & FRANCIS INC. 1996: 375–97

    View details for Web of Science ID A1996WY15800016

  • MULTIPOINT STATISTICAL STRUCTURE OF THE IDEAL SPRAY, PART II: EVALUATING STEADINESS USING THE INTERPARTICLE TIME DISTRIBUTION Atomization and Sprays Edwards, C. F., Marx, K. D. 1995; 5 (4 & 5): 457-505

    View details for DOI 10.1615/AtomizSpr.v5.i45.60

  • MULTIPOINT STATISTICAL STRUCTURE OF THE IDEAL SPRAY, PART I: FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS AND THE REALIZATION DENSITY Atomization and Sprays Edwards, C. F., Marx, K. D. 1995; 5 (4 & 5): 435-455

    View details for DOI 10.1615/AtomizSpr.v5.i45.50

  • STRUCTURE OF A METHANOL AIR COAXIAL REACTING SPRAY NEAR THE STABILIZATION REGION COMBUSTION AND FLAME Goix, P. J., Edwards, C. F., Cessou, A., DUNSKY, C. M., Stepowski, D. 1994; 98 (3): 205-219

    View details for Web of Science ID A1994PA04800004

  • LIMITATIONS OF THE IDEAL PHASE-DOPPLER SYSTEM - EXTENSION TO SPATIALLY AND TEMPORALLY INHOMOGENEOUS PARTICLE FLOWS ATOMIZATION AND SPRAYS Marx, K. D., Edwards, C. F., Chin, W. K. 1994; 4 (1): 1-40

    View details for Web of Science ID A1994NE79200001

  • LIMITATIONS OF THE IDEAL PHASE-DOPPLER SYSTEM: EXTENSION TO SPATIALLY AND TEMPORALLY INHOMOGENEOUS PARTICLE FLOWS Atomization and Sprays Marx, K. D., Edwards, C. F., Chin, W. K. 1994; 4 (1): 1-40

    View details for DOI 10.1615/AtomizSpr.v4.i1.10

  • SPATIAL STRUCTURE OF A CONFINED SWIRLING FLOW USING PLANAR ELASTIC SCATTER IMAGING AND LASER-DOPPLER VELOCIMETRY FUEL Edwards, C. F., FORNACIARI, N. R., DUNSKY, C. M., Marx, K. D., Ashurst, W. T. 1993; 72 (8): 1151-1159

    View details for Web of Science ID A1993LN47400012

  • ANALYSIS OF THE IDEAL PHASE-DOPPLER SYSTEM: LIMITATIONS IMPOSED BY THE SINGLE-PARTICLE CONSTRAINT Atomization and Sprays Edwards, C. F., Marx, K. D. 1992; 2 (3): 319-366

    View details for DOI 10.1615/AtomizSpr.v2.i3.70

  • Optimization of Recompression Reaction for Low-Load Operation of Residual-Effected HCCI 2008 SAE World Congress & Exhibition Song, H., Edwards, C. F. 2008

    View details for DOI 10.4271/2008-01-0016

  • Structure of a swirl-stabilized spray flame by imaging, laser doppler velocimetry, and phase doppler anemometry Twenty-Third Symposium (International) on Combustion Edwards, C. F. 1991: 1353–59

    View details for DOI 10.1016/S0082-0784(06)80400-5

  • Effects of nozzle geometry and ambient pressure on the characteristics of a modulated spray 37th Aerospace Sciences Meeting and Exhibit Wang, D., Ganji, A., Sipperley, C., Edwards, C. F. 1999

    View details for DOI 10.2514/6.1999-366

  • A Study of the Autoignition Process of a Diesel Spray via High Speed Visualization 1992 SAE International Congress & Exposition Edwards, C. F., Siebers, D., Hoskin, D. 1992

    View details for DOI 10.4271/920108

  • Wear Characteristics of Fleet Vehicles Operating on Methyl Alcohol 1981 SAE International Fall Fuels and Lubricants Meeting and Exhibition Baisley, W., Edwards, C. F. 1981

    View details for DOI 10.4271/811202

  • Autoignition of Methanol and Ethanol Sprays under Diesel Engine Conditions 1987 SAE International Congress and Exposition Siebers, D., Edwards, C. F. 1987

    View details for DOI 10.4271/870588

  • Autoignition of Methane and Natural Gas in a Simulated Diesel Environment 1991 SAE International Congress & Exposition Fraser, R., Siebers, D., Edwards, C. F. 1991

    View details for DOI 10.4271/910227

  • Ignition Delay Performance Versus Composition of Model Fuels 1992 SAE International Congress & Exposition Hoskin, D., Edwards, C. F., Siebers, D. 1992

    View details for DOI 10.4271/920109

  • Emission Characteristics of Methanol Fueled Vehicles Using Feedback Carburetion and Three Way Catalysts 1981 SAE International Fall Fuels and Lubricants Meeting and Exhibition Edwards, C. F., Baisley, W. 1981

    View details for DOI 10.4271/811221

  • A Comparative Study of Plasma lgnition Systems 1983 SAE International Congress and Exposition Edwards, C. F., Oppenheim, A., Dale, J. 1983

    View details for DOI 10.4271/830479

  • Use of Dynamic Valving to Achieve Residual-Affected Combustion SAE 2001 World Congress Kaahaaina, N., Simon, A., Caton, P., Edwards, C. F. 2001

    View details for DOI 10.4271/2001-01-0549

  • A Photographic Study of Plasma Ignition Systems 1985 SAE International Congress and Exposition Edwards, C. F., Stewart, H., Oppenheim, A. 1985

    View details for DOI 10.4271/850077