Recent MechSE PhD graduate publishes book

Engineering at Illinois alumnus Kuo-Ting Wang (PhD 2011, Mechanical Engineering) recently published the book On Phase-Transition Radiation of Water-A First Fundamental Approach based on his research in the Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering (MechSE).

"I never dreamed about doing water energy research in Urbana, nor did I imagine that my research work would draw attention from publishers in the U.K. and Germany," Wang said. "The idea underlying this research is very simple: if energy between water’s different phases can be released as heat, why not photons?"

His theoretical study and experimental approach eventually led to the definition of an additional term in radiative transfer equation to account for this effect, which explained why water clouds emit extra infrared energy in the 4-8 micron meter spectral range. In order to present a clear view about energy transitions, his research on water energetic behaviors from a few degrees K to near the critical point was covered in his book.

"For me it was a great pleasure to work with Caleb and I am happy to see his work get this recognition," said Quinn Brewster, Wang’s PhD advisor and the Hermia G. Soo Professor in MechSE. "In fact, his results were instrumental in winning a grant from NSF to study this phenomenon, which we are continuing to do."

Earlier this year, Wang was contacted by Lambert Academic Publishing (LAP) from Germany and was pleased to receive the invitation to publish his collected research results as a book. Back in 2010, Wang’s article "Phase-Transition Radiation in Vapor Condensation Process," coauthored by Brewster, drew attention from a science magazine in the U.K. His article was reported by NewScientist, titled, "Cloud lasers: Hunting quantum secrets in the skies"  (Nov. 30, 2010, No. 2788).

In the next year, another of his articles, "Research from K.T. Wang and co-authors reveals new findings on heat transfer research," appeared in Issues in Mechanical Engineering: 2011 Edition. He proposed a quantum mechanism for radiative relaxation with the involvement of phase transition for water clouds. There had been no detailed physical mechanism to explain the enhanced infrared energy emission in clouds until he bridged photon emission and phase transition together.

With over 10,000 new books annually, LAP is a leading publisher in the academic publishing market, having 80,000 distributors and wholesalers worldwide. LAP is also an associate member of the American Booksellers' Association, the Booksellers' Association of the UK and Ireland & Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels of Germany.

Wang is currently working as an engineer in Corona, CA for a manufacturer for pharmaceutical industries. During his spare time, he likes to do research for fun. His book can be found at amazon.com, bookbutler.de, barnesandnobles.com, morebooks.de, and other online retailers.
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Contact: Kuo-Ting Wang

Writer: William Bowman, associate director of communications, Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, 217/244-0901.

If you have any questions about the College of Engineering, or other story ideas, contact Rick Kubetz, editor, Engineering Communications Office, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 217/244-7716.