Sophie Wang

Education

• Ph.D. Mechanical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 2012
• M.S. Engineering Thermophysics, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 2007
• B.S. Control Engineering, Chang'an University, 2003

Academic Positions

• Research Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Aug. 2021-date
• Research Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Aug. 2015-Aug.2021
• Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Jun. 2012-Aug. 2015
• Visiting Scholar, Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Dec. 2009-Nov. 2011
• Assistant Professor, Department of Computer and Information Engineering, HeNan University, July 2003-July 2005

Research Statement

Professor Wang conducts research in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics, with energy system applications, focused on single-phase and two-phase convection, phase change, heat transfer enhancement, systems, controls, diagnostics, and energy conversion efficiency. Her research has a scientific basis in the fundamentals of thermophysics and mathematics, with a deep appreciation of applications in energy generation and use. The overarching aim of her research program is to achieve a sustainable energy future.

Research Interests

• Heat, mass, and momentum transport in multiphase flows for thermal desalination, scale crystallization and antifouling surfaces.
• Increasing energy efficiency (COP) of air-conditioning & refrigeration systems through improved component and system control, performance optimization, and new cycles.
• Fundamentals and application of fluid mechanics and thermal science in energy systems, including renewable energy, energy conversion, and power generation.

Chapters in Books

• Xiaofei Wang, Md Ashiqur Rahman, Anthony Jacobi, "Chapter 5: Wetting on Anisotropic Surfaces" - Encyclopedia of Two-Phase Heat Transfer and Flow IV, (2018), pp:265-291.

Selected Articles in Journals

• M. Zaman, S. Wang, "Mitigation of crystallization fouling by local flow manipulation with wettability pattern on a flat surface", International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 2025
• A. Kotb, M. Eissa, S. Wang, "In-situ growth of copper oxide nanowires for enhanced thermal performance in phase change material–metal foam systems", Journal of Energy Storage, 140, Part A, 118979, 2025
• M. Eissa, A. Kotb, L. Liu, S. Wang, "The Prediction of Binary Zeotropic Mixtures In-tube Flow Condensation – A generalized Non-Equilibrium Heat Transfer Model" Energy Conversion and Management, 347, 120562, 2026
• Y. Shen, J. Chen, S. Wang, "Freezing Droplet Distribution Prediction for Condensation Frosting Considering Edge Effects on Structured Surfaces" ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, 2025
• Dalia Ghaddar, Kalyan Boyina, Kaushik Chettiar, Sophie Wang, Nenad Miljkovic "EFFECT OF ALUMINUM HEAT EXCHANGER SURFACE WETTABILITY ON CONDENSATION HEAT TRANSFER AND WATER HARVESTING PERFORMANCE", International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 243,126835, 2025
• A. Kotb, S. Wang, "Enhanced thermal storage performance with non-linear porosity distribution in copper foam-PCM composites" Journal of Energy Storage, 105, 114612, 2025
• J. Xiao, Y. Zhang, S. Wang, S. Wang, "Crystallization Fouling on Different Surfaces under Static and Dynamic Experiments" Heat Transfer Engineering, 1-13, 2024
• M. Zaman, T. Joy, S. Wang, "Surface with wettability gradient - A novel approach for crystallization fouling control on the horizontal falling film flow" Desalination, 592: 118080 , 2024
• M. Zaman, S. Wang, "Experimental Investigation of Surface Roughness /Wettability Pattern Effect on Crystallization Fouling over Falling-Film Flow " Desalination, 575:117324, 2024
• H. Jin, A. Kalle, Y Zhang, S. Wang, "Effect of Wettability Gradient on the Scale Formation in Falling Film Flow " ASME Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 146 (4): 041602,2024
• Y. Shen, H. Zou, S. Wang, "Detection of Frost Growth and Distribution on Microchannel Heat Exchanger Using Capacitance Sensing Approach" International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 217:124650,2023
• H. Jin, H. Athreyaa, A. Kalle, S. Wang, , K. Nawaz,"CFD Modeling of Crystallization Fouling with CO2 Desorption Incorporated for Falling-film Evaporator in Thermal Desalination", Desalination, 553:116456, 2023
• Shahane, S., Shen, Y., Wang, S., "Numerical Simulations of Frost Growth Using Mixture Model on Surfaces with Different Wettability", Numerical Heat Transfer, Part A: Applications, 84 (12) : 1494-1517, 2023.
• Shahane, S., Jin, H., Wang, S., Nawaz, K., "Numerical modeling based machine learning approach for the optimization of falling - film evaporator in thermal desalination application", International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 196:123223,2022.
• Jin, H., Athreyaa, H., Wang, S., Nawaz, K., "Experimental study of crystallization fouling by calcium carbonate: Effects of surface structure and material " Desalination, 532:115754,2022.
• Dai, Z., Y. Zhang, S. Wang, K. Nawaz, and A.M. Jacobi, "Falling-film Heat Exchangers used in Desalination Systems: A Review", International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 185:122407,2022
• Zhang, Y., Wang, S., "Enhanced Critical Heat Flux of Pool Boiling by Vapor Management " Applied Thermal Engineering, 205:117925,2022
• Koszut, J., Boyina, K., Popovic, G., Carpenter, J., Wang, S., Miljkovic, N.,"Superhydrophobic Heat Exchangers Delay Frost Formation and Reduce Defrost Energy Input of Aircraft Environmental Control Systems," International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 189:122669,2022
• Xu, B., Z. Chen, and S. Wang, "Molecular Dynamics Study of Self-propelled Droplet on Different Surfaces, " Chemical Physics Letters, 782:139029,2021
• Jin, H., S. Shanhane, Y. Zhang, and S. Wang, K. Nawaz, "Modeling of crystallization fouling on a horizontal-tube falling-film evaporator for thermal desalination," International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 178:121596, 2021.
• Wan, Z., Y. Li, and S. Wang, "A Comprehensive Simulation and Optimization of Heat Transfer Characteristics of Subcooled Seawater Falling Film around Elliptical Tubes," Applied Thermal Engineering, 189:116675, 2021.
• Xiao, J., S. Wang, S. Wang, J. Dong, J. Wen, J. Tu, "Numerical Study on Forced Convection Heat Transfer Across a Heated Circular Tube Based on Bingham Model with Thermally Dependent Viscosity" ASME Journal of Heat Transfer, 143(2): 021801, 2021.
• Rabbi, K.F., K.S. Boyina, W. Su, S. Sett, A. Thamban, S. Shahane, S. Wang, and N. Miljkovic, "Wettability-Defined Frosting Dynamics Between Plane Fins in Quiescent Air," International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 164: 120563, 2021.
• Shen, Y., H. Zou, and S. Wang, " Condensation Frosting on Micropillar Surfaces - Effect of Microscale Roughness on Ice Propagation," Langmuir, 36(45): 13563-13574, 2020.
• Yang, P., T. Zhang, Y. Zhang, S. Wang, and Y. Liu, "Model of R134a Liquid–vapor Two-phase Heat Transfer Coefficient for Pulsating Flow Boiling in an Evaporator Using Response Surface Methodology," Energies, 13(14): 3540, 2020.
• Yang, P., Y. Zhang, S. Wang, and Y. Liu, "Experimental Study on Liquid-vapor Two-phase Pressure Drop of Pulsating Flow in an Evaporator," International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 158: 119998, 2020.
• Jin, H.-Q., and S. Wang, " Experimental Study of Refrigerant (R-134a) Condensation Heat Transfer and Retention Behavior on Paraffin-Coated Vertical Plates and Fin Structures," ASME Journal of Heat Transfer, 142(8): 081601, 2020.
• Shen, Y., and S. Wang, "Condensation Frosting Detection and Characterization using a Capacitance Sensing Approach," International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 147: 118968, 2020.
• Boyina, K.S., A.J. Mahvi, S. Chavan, D. Park, K. Kumar, M. Lira, Y. Yu, A.A. Gunay, X. Wang, and N. Miljkovic, " Condensation Frosting on Meter-scale Superhydrophobic and Superhydrophilic Heat Exchangers," International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 145: 118694, 2019.
• Shen, Y., and X. Wang, " Real-time Frost Porosity Detection using Capacitance Sensing Approach," International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 134: 1171-1179, 2019.
• Yang, P., Y. Zhang, X. Wang, and Y.-W. Liu, “Heat Transfer Measurement and Flow Regime Visualization of Two-phase Pulsating Flow in an Evaporator," International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer, 127: 1014-1024, 2018.
• Wu, Y., X. Wang, and X. Zhang, "Solution of the Boundary-layer Equations for Natural Convection Film Boiling on Vertical Cylindrical Surfaces," International Communications in Heat and Mass Transfer, 89: 1-6, 2017.
• Wang, X., K. Tang, and P.S. Hrnjak, "Evaporator Performance Enhancement by Pulsation Width Modulation (PWM)," Applied Thermal Engineering, 99: 825-833, 2016.
• Wang, X., and A.M. Jacobi, "A Thermodynamic Basis for Predicting Falling-film Mode Transitions," International Journal of Refrigeration, 43: 123-132, 2014.
• Wang, X., M. He, K. Lv, H. Fan, and A.M. Jacobi, "Effects of Liquid Supply Method on Falling-film Mode Transitions on Horizontal Tubes," Heat Transfer Engineering, 34(7): 562-579, 2013.
• Wang, X.F., P.S. Hrnjak, S. Elbel, A.M. Jacobi, and M.G. He, "Heat Transfer Performance for a Falling-film on Horizontal Flat Tubes," ASME Journal of Heat Transfer, 135(7): 072901, 2013.
• Wang, X., M.A. Rahman, A.M. Jacobi, and P.S. Hrnjak, "Dynamic Wetting Behavior and Water Drops on Microgrooved Surfaces," Heat Transfer Engineering, 34(13): 1088-1098, 2013.
• Wang, X., P.S. Hrnjak, S. Elbel, A.M. Jacobi, and M. He, "Flow Modes and Mode Transitions for Falling Films on Flat Tubes," ASME Journal of Heat Transfer, 134(2): 021801, 2012.
• Wang, X., M.G. He, H.L. Fan, and Y. Zhang, "Measurement of Falling Film Thickness Around a Horizontal Tube Using Laser-induced Fluorescence Technique," Journal of Physics Conference Series, 147: 012039, 2009.
• Zhang, Y., M.G. He, R. Xue, X.F. Wang, Q. Zhong, and X.X. Zhang, "A New Method for Viscosity Measurements: Inclined-tube Viscometry," International Journal of Thermophysics, 29: 483-504, 2008.

Articles in Conference Proceedings

• M. Eissa, L. Liu, S. Wang, "A Generalized Non-Equilibrium Film Theory Heat Transfer Model for Annular Flow Condensation of Binary Zeotropic Mixtures" ASME Summer Heat Transfer Conference, Denver, CO, July, 2025
• M. Eissa, S. Wang, "Condensation Heat Transfer and Pressure Drop of Low GWP Refrigerants Within a Horizontal Smooth Tube for High Temperature Heat Pump Applications" ASME Summer Heat Transfer Conference, Denver, CO, July, 2025
• K. Treuren, L. Liu, A. Jacobi, S. Wang, K. Kalaitzidou "Undergraduate students are the “secret sauce” to help research programs be successful" 2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, 25-28, 2023, in Baltimore, MD
• M. Zaman, S. Wang, "Experimental Study of Compressor Modulation Method Effects on Heat Pump Performance" 2024 Herrick Conference-Compressors, Refrigerant, Buildings, West Lafayette, IN, USA, July 15-18, 2024
• M. Zaman, S. Wang, "Effects of Refrigerant Drop-In (R32/R410) on the Performance of a Heat Pump System"2024 Herrick Conference-Compressors, Refrigerant, Buildings, West Lafayette, IN, USA, July 15-18, 2024
• J. Chen, K. Tang, S. Wang, "Defrost Model with Frost Distribution on Surface Considered" 2024 Herrick Conference-Compressors, Refrigerant, Buildings, West Lafayette, IN, USA, July 15-18, 2024
• J. Chen, Y. Park, S. Wang, "A Novel Frost Growth Model Incorporated with Ice Propagation Using CFD Method" 2024 Herrick Conference-Compressors, Refrigerant, Buildings, West Lafayette, IN, USA, July 15-18, 2024
• H. Zou, S. Wang, "Study of Water Bridge Formation on Fin-and-tube Heat Exchangers" 2024 Herrick Conference-Compressors, Refrigerant, Buildings, West Lafayette, IN, USA, July 15-18, 2024
• A. Kotb, S. Wang, "A Numerical Approach to Enhancing Multiple PCMs melting in a Shell and Tube Unit" 2024 Herrick Conference-Compressors, Refrigerant, Buildings, West Lafayette, IN, USA, July 15-18, 2024
• Zaman, M.A.; Jin, H.; Joy, T.I.; Wang, S; Nawaz, K. "Surface with Wettability Gradient- A Novel Approach for Fouling Control " ASME Summer Heat Transfer Conference, Washington DC, July, 2023.
• Kotb, A., S. Wang, "Effect of Metal Foam Integration on The Thermal Regulation Performance of Salt Hydrate-Based Heat Sink" 19th International Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Conference at Purdue, West Lafayette, IN, USA, July 10-14, 2022
• Zou, H., Jin, H., S. Wang, "Analysis of Droplet Motion – Sliding On and Detaching From a Vertical Surface", 19th International Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Conference at Purdue, West Lafayette, IN, USA, July 10-14, 2022
• Sandlin, M., K. Nawaz, A.M. Jacobi, and X. Wang, "Numerical Study of Heat Transfer Enhancement in Laminar and Turbulent Flow in Enhanced Tubes with Uniform and Non-uniform Thermal Boundary Conditions," Proceedings of the Thermal and Fluids Engineering Summer Conference, 2020, April, pp. 445–454, April, 2020.
• Jin, H., W. Ni, and S. Wang, "Experimental Study of Refrigerant (R134a) Condensate Retention on Paraffin Coated Plates and Fin Structures," ASME Summer Heat Transfer Conference, HT2019-350, Bellevue, WA, July, 2019.
• Boyina, K. S., N. V. Upot, J. Mayer, S. Chavan, K. F. Rabbi, T. Foulkes, X. Wang, N. Miljkovic, "Anti-Icing Meter Scale Superhydrophobic Heat Exchangers," Proceedings of the 6th Micro and Nano Flows Conference, MNF2018 (Session 1B: Heat Exchangers and Reactors), Atlanta, GA, September 9-12, 2018.
• Shen, Y., and X. Wang, "Frost Growth Detection Using Capacitive Sensor," 17th International Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Conference at Purdue, 2272: 1-8, West Lafayette, IN, USA, July 9-12, 2018.
• Shen, Y., Y. Zhang, and X. Wang, "Frost Porosity Measurement Using Capacitive Sensor," 17th International Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Conference at Purdue, 2468: 1-8, West Lafayette, IN, USA, July 9-12, 2018.
• Jin, H., Y. Shen, W. Ni, and X. Wang, "Experimental Study of Condensation Heat Transfer of R134a on Oil-infusion Surfaces", 17th International Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Conference at Purdue, 2274: 1-7, West Lafayette, IN, USA, July 9-12, 2018.
• Boyina, K.S., K.F. Rabbi, W. Su, A. Thamban, N. Miljkovic, and X. Wang, "Dynamics of Frost Growth on Vertical Superhydrophobic Surfaces," 17th International Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Conference at Purdue, 2408: 1-10, West Lafayette , IN, USA, July 9-12, 2018.
• Wang, X., L. Wang, and R. Yu, "Dynamic Contact Angle on a Surface with Gradient in Wettability," 16th International Refrigerant and Air Conditioning Conference at Purdue, 2595: 1-9, West Lafayette, IN, USA, July 11-14, 2016.
• Wang, X., T. Ke, and P.S. Hrnjak, "Effect of Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) on the Performance of an Evaporator," Proceedings of the 15th International Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Conference at Purdue, 2585: 1-5, West Lafayette, IN, USA, July 14-17, 2014.
• Wang, X. and A. Jacobi, "A Thermodynamic Basis for Predicting Falling-film Mode Transitions," Proceedings of the 14th International Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Conference at Purdue, 2488: 1-10, West Lafayette, IN, USA, July 16-19, 2012.
• Wang, X., S. Elbel, P.S. Hrnjak, A.M. Jacobi, and M.G. He, "Heat Transfer Performance for a Falling-film on Horizontal Flat Tubes," ASME 2011 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, IMECE2011-63970, Denver, CO, USA, Nov. 12-16, 2011.
• Wang, X., P.S. Hrnjak, S. Elbel, A. Jacobi, and M. He, "Flow Patterns and Mode Transitions for Falling Film on Flat Tubes," Proceedings of the 13th International Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Conference at Purdue, 2461: 1-8, West Lafayette, IN, USA, July 10-15, 2010.
• Wang, X., M.G. He, H. Fan, and Y. Zhang, "Measurement of Falling Film Thickness Around a Horizontal Tube Using a Laser-induced Fluorescence Technique," Proceedings of the 6th International Symposium on Measurement Techniques for Multiphase Flows, 1: 377-384, Naha, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 15-17, 2008.

Professional Societies

• Member, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), 2011-date
• Member, American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE), 2009-date