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TZID:Asia/Kolkata
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DTSTART:20250101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20251222T150000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20251222T170000
DTSTAMP:20260418T043926
CREATED:20251222T043040Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251222T081958Z
UID:10000105-1766415600-1766422800@aero.iisc.ac.in
SUMMARY:Digital Process Twins for Automated Manufacturing of Thermoplastic Composites: Challenges and Opportunities.
DESCRIPTION:Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) is transforming the fabrication of high-performance thermoplastic composites by enabling precision layup of fiber tows with spatially controlled heating and compaction. Yet\, the interplay of radiative heating\, heat diffusion\, and material flow during AFP remains one of the least understood links between process parameters and structural performance. This seminar presents a unified experimental and modeling framework to unravel these coupled multi-scale multi-physics phenomena and advance the creation of digital process twins for advanced manufacturing of composites. \nThe discussion will begin with the design and thermal characterization of a Xenon-arc flash heating system developed for in-situ processing of CF-PAEK tows. High-resolution irradiance mapping and infrared thermography reveal the dynamic spatial nonuniformity of heat flux during laydown\, providing direct insights into tow heating and cooling behavior. These experimental results are coupled with a physics-based “plug-flow” thermal model that captures the motion of the tow\, its interaction with the roller and substrate\, and the resulting anisotropic heat transfer under realistic AFP conditions. \nThe resulting digital process twin quantitatively predicts temperature evolution\, nip-point bonding conditions\, and crystallinity gradients; key factors governing consolidation quality and defect formation. By linking measured irradiance fields with validated numerical simulations\, this framework offers a predictive capability for optimizing processing parameters to achieve consistent microstructure and interlayer adhesion. The seminar will conclude with perspectives on integrating these models with in-situ sensing and machine learning to enable smart\, autonomous\, defect-tolerant composite manufacturing. \nSpeaker : Dr. Paul Davidson \nBiography: \nDr. Paul Davidson is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of Texas at Arlington\, where he leads the Digital Design and Advanced Manufacturing of Composite Structures research though the Laboratory of Advanced Materials\, Manufacturing and Analysis (LAMMA). His research integrates experimental mechanics\, multiscale modeling\, and machine learning to develop digital twins for automated composite fabrication and structural performance prediction. His work is supported by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR)\, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL)\, the National Science Foundation (NSF)\, and the University of Texas System.
URL:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/event/digital-process-twins-for-automated-manufacturing-of-thermoplastic-composites-challenges-and-opportunities/
LOCATION:Auditorium (AE 005)\, Department of Aerospace Engineering
CATEGORIES:AE Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Paul.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20251223T110000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20251223T130000
DTSTAMP:20260418T043926
CREATED:20251222T044547Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251223T054815Z
UID:10000106-1766487600-1766494800@aero.iisc.ac.in
SUMMARY:Model-Based Digital Thread and Digital Twin technologies for Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 Architecture
DESCRIPTION:Jayendra ‘Jay’ Ganguli \,  is the Associate Director at Pratt & Whitney / RTX\, leading initiatives in Model-Based Digital Thread and Digital Twin technologies for Manufacturing and Industry 4.0 Architecture.\n\nWith over 30 years of experience in the Aerospace and Defense industry\, his career spans leadership roles at GE Aviation\, Boeing (Space and Commercial Aviation)\, and RTX/Pratt & Whitney. His work centers on advancing digital transformation across Systems Engineering\, Design\, Manufacturing\, and MRO.\n\nHe actively contributes to industry standards and interoperability efforts through STEP ISO 10303 and the AIAA\, where he serves as Co-Chair of the Digital Twin Committee and co-author of multiple AIAA publications on Digital Threads and Twins. His presentation will highlight recent AIAA research and address current challenges in Digital Thread and Twin integration for A&D from architectural\, vendor strategy\, and OEM perspectives.\n\nSpeaker : Jayendra ‘Jay’ Ganguli
URL:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/event/model-based-digital-thread-and-digital-twin-technologies-for-manufacturing-and-industry-4-0-architecture/
LOCATION:Auditorium (AE 005)\, Department of Aerospace Engineering
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Jayendra-.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20251230T103000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20251230T130000
DTSTAMP:20260418T043926
CREATED:20251229T130027Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251231T083130Z
UID:10000107-1767090600-1767099600@aero.iisc.ac.in
SUMMARY:Ph.D. (Engg) : Enhancing Precise Label Prediction and Imbalance Robustness in Multi-Label Learning
DESCRIPTION:Multi-label learning (MLL) addresses learning problems in which a single data instance may simultaneously belong to multiple semantic categories. This formulation arises naturally in many real-world applications\, including image and video understanding\, medical diagnosis\, text categorization\, and bioinformatics. In many of these settings\, it is not sufficient to merely rank relevant labels higher than irrelevant ones; instead\, models must accurately identify the exact set of labels associated with each instance. Such exact label prediction is critical when each label carries direct semantic or operational meaning\, for example when detecting disease conditions in medical data or identifying pedestrians and traffic signs in autonomous driving scenes. In addition\, real-world deployments frequently expose multi-label models to out-of-distribution (OOD) inputs caused by domain shifts\, novel concepts\, or evolving environments\, making reliable OOD detection an important requirement. Many practical applications are also sequential in nature\, where data and label spaces evolve over time\, leading to the continual multi-label learning (CMLL) problem in which models must acquire new knowledge while mitigating catastrophic forgetting. Together\, these considerations motivate the need to study multi-label learning with emphasis on exact label prediction\, robustness to data imbalance\, improved OOD detection\, and learning under continual data arrival. \nThe first contribution of this thesis introduces Bipolar Networks\, a novel architectural formulation for multi-label classification designed to improve exact label prediction. Unlike conventional single-output architectures that produce continuous confidence scores per label\, Bipolar Networks represent each label using two complementary outputs that encode positive and negative evidence. The final label decision is derived from the relative difference between these outputs\, enabling exact label predictions. To support effective training of this architecture\, the thesis develops a family of bipolar loss functions by reformulating standard objectives such as Binary Cross-Entropy and Focal Loss\, along with margin-based variants. Extensive experiments on benchmark datasets demonstrate that Bipolar Networks consistently improve F1 scores while maintaining competitive mean average precisions. \nBuilding on the improved discriminative behaviour of Bipolar Networks\, the second contribution addresses out-of-distribution detection in multi-label learning. While most existing OOD detection methods are designed for single-label classification or rely on computationally intensive mechanisms\, this thesis proposes a bipolar joint energy score tailored to the bipolar architecture. By leveraging the improved exact label prediction capability of Bipolar Networks\, the proposed scoring function enables more effective separation between in-distribution and out-of-distribution samples in multi-label settings\, demonstrating that stronger multi-label classification performance on in-distribution data can naturally translate into improved OOD detection. \nThe third contribution presents Learn What Matters\, a generalizable training framework that enhances exact label prediction without modifying model architectures or loss formulations. Learn What Matters operates at the optimization level by selectively masking parameter updates based on the ratio of gradient to parameter magnitudes\, suppressing low-information updates while rescaling the remaining gradients to preserve learning dynamics. This approach acts as a form of dropout during backpropagation and directs learning toward informative regions of the parameter space. Applied to standard single-output multi-label networks trained with ranking-based losses\, Learn What Matters yields substantial improvements in F1 score with only marginal impact on mAP scores\, providing a model-agnostic alternative to architectural modifications. \nThe fourth contribution explores biologically inspired learning approaches for multi-label classification. Drawing inspiration from neural computation in the human brain\, the thesis develops several bio-inspired models\, including Bipolar Spiking Neural Networks\, Adaptive Margin Spiking Neural Networks\, and NIMBLE\, a neuro-inspired multi-label learning framework. These methods leverage spike-based computation\, selective update mechanisms\, and adaptive stability–plasticity behavior to naturally support exact label prediction and efficient learning. Experimental results demonstrate that these biologically motivated designs improve exact label prediction and imbalance robustness in multi-label settings. \nFinally\, the thesis extends the proposed architectures and learning algorithms to the continual multi-label learning setting\, where data arrives sequentially without access to past samples or task identities. The resulting methods are task-agnostic and memory-free\, and empirical evaluations across multiple benchmarks show consistent improvements in exact label prediction and reduced catastrophic forgetting. Overall\, this thesis presents a unified framework spanning architectural design\, optimization strategies\, and biologically inspired learning for advancing exact label prediction\, OOD detection\, and continual learning in multi-label learning models. \n  \nSpeaker :  Sourav Mishra \n  \nResearch Supervisor: Prof. Suresh Sundaram
URL:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/event/ph-d-engg-enhancing-precise-label-prediction-and-imbalance-robustness-in-multi-label-learning/
LOCATION:STC Seminar Hall\, Dept. of Aerospace Engineering
CATEGORIES:Thesis Colloquium / Defence
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Sourav.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260105T110000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260105T130000
DTSTAMP:20260418T043926
CREATED:20260102T043026Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260105T113025Z
UID:10000108-1767610800-1767618000@aero.iisc.ac.in
SUMMARY:Ph.D. (Engg) :Studies on the Mixing Layer Between Supersonic Supersonic Co-flows
DESCRIPTION:Two supersonic streams merging together in a co-flow configuration are encountered in several engineering systems\, such as high-speed propulsion devices and supersonic ejectors. The thin mixing layer that develops between the two streams is dominated by compressibility effects and is prone to shock interactions in shock-dominated flows. The convective Mach number is defined relative to dominant large-scale structures in the mixing layer and is typically used to characterise the mixing layer. A key observation from previous studies on canonical supersonic-supersonic mixing layers having zero streamwise pressure gradient (ZPG-ML)\, which has a significant bearing on system design\, is that the growth of the mixing layer is significantly reduced as the convective Mach number increases. In applications\, however\, streamwise pressure gradients can exist due to the flow topology\, but there are very few studies on the effects of the streamwise pressure gradient on the growth of mixing layers (SPG-ML)\, especially in shock-dominated flows\, which motivates this study. Further\, there is a need to enhance mixing rates for compact design\, which can be carried out using passive geometric modifications\, and the effects of techniques such as discrete injection through holes and vortex generators like lobes on SPG-ML are not well studied. We study the mixing layer between supersonic-supersonic coflows in a specially designed supersonic mixing layer experimental facility\, and using high-fidelity Large Eddy Simulations carried out using the OpenFOAM framework. The Mach number combinations of the two streams (2.0\, 3.0) and (2.5\, 3.0)\, with a typical convective Mach number of 0.23\, are investigated. The flow is experimentally examined using high-speed schlieren and wall static pressure measurements. First\, the LES framework is validated on existing experimental/DNS computations on ZPG-ML\, and the computations are found to simulate the mixing layer characteristics well. The flow topology of the SPG-ML involves the generation of an oblique shock and an expansion fan at the point of confluence\, as well as the development of the mixing layer downstream in the presence of a streamwise pressure gradient. The shock further reflects from the wall and impinges on the mixing layer. The wall static pressure profiles obtained from the LES simulations agree well with the experimental wall static pressure measurements. The mixing layer growth rate of the SPG-ML before shock interaction is 15% higher than ZPG-ML. Shock interaction significantly increases the three-dimensionality of the turbulent structures in the mixing layer\, particularly in the p resence of high baroclinic torques\, and enhances the growth rate. In the current study\, the mixing layer is found to curve after the shock interaction\, thereby sustaining an increase in the mixing layer growth rate compared to previous studies. Two different techniques of introducing streamwise vortices into the mixing layer are investigated\, the first where discrete holes connect the high-pressure side to the low-pressure side\, leading to a jet into the supersonic stream\, generating counter-rotating vortices. In the second technique\, elliptic lobes generate large streamwise vortices. Both techniques are found to increase the mixing layer growth rate before the interaction. Shock interaction is found to break up vortices and promote three-dimensionality in the milder case of the jet through the holes. In the case of lobes\, the streamwise vortices are strong enough to retain their connectedness despite getting significantly modified by the shock interaction. These observations have implications for the application of such techniques to enhance mixing in shock-dominated flows. Detailed comparative investigations of different supersonic-supersonic mixing layer configurations are examined using experiments and LES data \n  \nSpeaker:  PANCHABUDHE LAKHAN MADANJI  \nResearch Supervisor: Srisha Rao M V
URL:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/event/ph-d-engg-studies-on-the-mixing-layer-between-supersonic-supersonic-co-flows/
LOCATION:STC Seminar Hall\, Dept. of Aerospace Engineering
CATEGORIES:Thesis Colloquium / Defence
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/PANCHABUDHE-.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260105T150000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260105T170000
DTSTAMP:20260418T043926
CREATED:20260102T070038Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260106T051847Z
UID:10000109-1767625200-1767632400@aero.iisc.ac.in
SUMMARY:Constructive Role of Noise in Oscillator Networks
DESCRIPTION:he constructive role of temporal disorder (random noise) in facilitating responses of nonlinear systems will be explored in this talk\, through a combination of experimental and numerical investigations. In particular\, nonlinear oscillators and nonlinear oscillator arrays will be considered. These oscillator systems represent models of micro-scale and macro-scale systems and energy harvester systems. It is discussed how noise can be used to transition from one dynamic to another\, including transition from a chaotic state to a periodic state\, influence energy localization\, and realize synchronization.\n\nSpeaker: Prof. B. Balachandran\n\nBiography:\n\nDr. Balachandran received his B. Tech (Naval Architecture) from the Indian Institute of Technology\, Madras\, India\, M.S. (Aerospace Engineering) from Virginia Tech\, Blacksburg\, VA and Ph.D. (Engineering Mechanics) from Virginia Tech. Currently\, he is a Distinguished University Professor and a Minta Martin Professor at the University of Maryland\, where he has been since 1993. His research interests include applied physics\, applied mechanics\, applied mathematics\, nonlinear phenomena\, dynamics and vibrations\, and control. The publications that he has authored/co-authored include a Wiley textbook entitled “Applied Nonlinear Dynamics: Analytical\, Computational\, and Experimental Methods” (1995\, 2004)\, a Thomson/Cengage textbook (2004\, 2009) and a Cambridge University Press textbook (2019) entitled “Vibrations\,” and a co-edited Springer book entitled “Delay Differential Equations: Recent Advances and New Directions” (2009). He holds four U.S. patents and one Japan patent\, three related to fiber optic sensors and two related to atomic force microscopy. He has served as the Editor of the ASME Journal of Computational and Nonlinear Dynamics\, a Contributing Editor of the International Journal of Non-Linear Mechanics\, and a Deputy Editor of the AIAA Journal. He is an ASME Fellow\, an AIAA Fellow\, an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society\, an ASA full member\, and an IEEE Senior Member. He is a recipient of the ASME Melville Medal\, the Thomas Caughey Dynamics Medal\, the Den Hartog Award\, & the Lyapunov Award\, the ASCE Engineering Mechanics Institute Robert Scanlan Medal\, and the AIAA Pendray Aerospace Literature Award. He served as the Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Maryland from May 2011 to December 2023 and ASME Applied Mechanics Division from 2018 to 2019.
URL:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/event/constructive-role-of-noise-in-oscillator-networks/
LOCATION:Auditorium (AE 005)\, Department of Aerospace Engineering
CATEGORIES:AE Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Balachandran.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260112T160000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260112T170000
DTSTAMP:20260418T043926
CREATED:20260109T053022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T112429Z
UID:10000110-1768233600-1768237200@aero.iisc.ac.in
SUMMARY:Ph.D. (Engg) : Compression & LVI of closed-cell metallic foam
DESCRIPTION:Innovative high-performance structural designs play a critical role in mitigating insecure events such as low-velocity and ballistic impacts. These events involve significant kinetic energies\, requiring structures that are lightweight\, safe\, and capable of absorbing energy effectively. Closed cell metallic foams have been widely adopted in aerospace\, marine\, civil\, mechanical\, and automotive industries due to their superior resistance to such impacts. Despite extensive research over the years\, further advancements are still required in the design of lightweight protective structures. In impact applications\, the impactor need not always strike perpendicular to the structure. Characterization of dissipation energies \, impact load histories\, and load–displacement curves under varying impact angles revealed\, Contact force intensity and penetration time decrease as the impact angle increases. Energy absorption increases while penetration time decreases with increasing impact angle. Contact force decreases and contact time increases as the angle decreases. Displacement under oblique impact increases with increasing angle. The study was extended to finite element simulations of low-velocity impact behaviour in silicon–aluminium composite foams using ABAQUS/Explicit®. Numerical estimations of both full and partial damage were carried out for different impactor shapes and velocities. Key parameters such as dissipation energies\, impact load histories\, and load–displacement behaviour under penetration were systematically reported. The numerical scheme was validated against available experimental results\, confirming the accuracy and reliability of the model. The following observations were made: Impact velocity effects: Contact force intensity and penetration time decrease with increasing impact velocity. Energy absorption increases while penetration time reduces as velocity increases. Impactor nose radius effects: Contact force reduces with smaller nose radii. Contact time is enhanced as the nose radius decreases. Impactor shape effects: The computed energy absorption effectiveness factor revealed that performance depends not only on material properties but is also strongly influenced by the geometry of the impactor. The study was further extended to numerical simulations of aluminium foam subjected to low velocity impacts. Both full and partial damage estimations were performed on foam samples across varying impact energies and thicknesses. Dissipated energy\, impact load histories\, and load–displacement responses were systematically reported under different penetration conditions. Foam samples with a thickness of 10 mm exhibited bending and global failure\, characteristic of thin plate behaviour. In contrast\, samples thicker than 10 mm underwent local failure\, displaying behaviour typical of thick plates. For partial penetration cases\, contact force\, dissipated energy\, deformation\, and penetration time all increased with rising impact energy. For fully penetrated samples\, contact force\, dissipated energy\, and deformation increased monotonically with impact energy\, while penetration time decreased significantly. Across all aluminium foam samples\, greater thickness led to monotonic increases in contact force\, dissipated energy\, deformation\, and contact time. These findings underscore the critical influence of plate thickness in governing the impact resistance of aluminium foam structures. Furthermore\, closed cell foam was modelled at the mesoscale to replicate the intrinsic geometry of real foam structures. LVT based 3-D models were employed to generate complex morphologies\, including irregular pore sizes\, uneven cell wall thicknesses & geometric variability. Morphological parameters such as equivalent diameter & sphericity factor were used to quantify pore size & irregularities. The influence of pore number & porosity on cell wall thickness was examined & the quasi-static compressive behaviour was assessed through load-displacement & stress-strain responses\, alongside energy absorption & plastic dissipated energies. Results revealed that plateau strength exhibited only a marginal increase with pore number\, while energy absorption showed a slight counterintuitive decline. Plastic dissipation energy increased monotonically with increasing pore number. Conversely\, increasing porosity led to a monotonic decrease in yield point\, energy absorption capacity & plastic dissipation energy. The study underscores that energy absorption capacity is strongly governed by porosity\, cell wall thickness & pore size. These parameters must be incorporated into the design of closed-cell foams to ensure safe & reliable performance in protective structural applications. \n  \nSpeaker: THIMMESH T \nResearch Supervisor: Dineshkumar Harursampath
URL:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/event/ph-d-engg-compression-lvi-of-closed-cell-metallic-foam/
LOCATION:STC Seminar Hall\, Dept. of Aerospace Engineering
CATEGORIES:AE Seminar
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Thim.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260116T160000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260116T170000
DTSTAMP:20260418T043926
CREATED:20260113T100659Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260113T100659Z
UID:10000111-1768579200-1768582800@aero.iisc.ac.in
SUMMARY:Ph.D. (Engg) : Development of an ultra-miniature wall-shear-stress sensor
DESCRIPTION:Shear stress at the wall is a quantity of fundamental importance in wall-bounded flows. It determines skin-friction drag and the dynamics of flow separation. From an engineering standpoint\, it is a key parameter which dictates the overall aerodynamic performance and structural loading of flight vehicles. Hence\, there is a natural motivation for the development of new techniques and sensors that can offer well-resolved measurements of wall shear stress. Conventionally\, the techniques of hot-film anemometry and oil-film interferometry are used for wall-shear-stress measurements. These techniques\, however\, are severely limited in the spatio-temporal resolution that they can offer. Advances in micro and nano-fabrication techniques over the past three decades have led to the advent of MEMS-based floating element sensors. While MEMS sensors offer better resolution than conventional methods\, the inertia of the floating element limits their temporal response. Miniaturizing the sensing element of the thermal anemometry probe is a viable solution to obtain high-resolution measurements. This approach has been successfully demonstrated with velocity measurements in turbulent flows with ultra-miniature hot-wire probes\, which are able to fully resolve the turbulence spectrum even at high Reynolds numbers.\n\nMotivated by the success of ultra-miniature hot-wire probes in velocity measurements\, the present effort is directed at the development\, fabrication\, and demonstration of an ultra-miniature sensor\, based on the principles of thermal anemometry\, for wall-shear-stress measurements. The sensor design essentially consists of platinum filaments deposited on a thermally oxidized silicon substrate with electrical contact pads. The fabrication is carried out by oxide growth on a clean silicon wafer\, followed by two-layer electron beam lithography\, metal deposition\, and lift-off processes. Titanium is used for adhesion in the first layer\, followed by platinum deposition for the sensing element in the second layer. Dry reactive ion etching is used\, when needed\, to suspend the sensing element. Basic voltage-current characterization of the sensor is carried out prior to packaging of the sensors for use.\n\nA demonstration of the sensor is made in a turbulent boundary layer flow. The packaged sensor is integrated onto a flat plate in a low-speed wind tunnel facility\, and wall-shear-stress measurements are made in the turbulent boundary layer flow over the flat plate in the momentum thickness Reynolds number range of 1500 to 2500. The sensor is calibrated in the boundary layer flow in an in-situ manner by estimating the mean wall-shear-stress through hot-wire measurements of the flow velocity profile at different freestream velocities. The sensor fully resolves the spectrum of turbulent fluctuations in wall shear stress. The probability density distributions of wall-shear-stress fluctuations are found to match well with data reported in the literature\, thereby validating the sensor’s performance. Overall\, this work demonstrates the viability of making high-fidelity wall-shear-stress measurements using ultra-miniature thermal anemometry sensors. It lays the foundation for the development of a practical sensing tool for application outside the laboratory\, in a real-world environment.\n\nSpeaker : Keshanjali Gaur\n\nResearch Supervisor : Prof. Duvvuri Subrahmanyam
URL:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/event/ph-d-engg-development-of-an-ultra-miniature-wall-shear-stress-sensor/
CATEGORIES:Thesis Colloquium / Defence
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Keshanja.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260119T150000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260119T170000
DTSTAMP:20260418T043926
CREATED:20260116T043058Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260119T103611Z
UID:10000112-1768834800-1768842000@aero.iisc.ac.in
SUMMARY:Ph.D. (Engg) :  Turbulence Energy Cascade in Physical  Space in a Turbulent Channel Flow
DESCRIPTION:A comprehensive investigation of the energy and enstrophy cascade in physical space in a turbulent channel flow is presented for four Reynolds numbers. Bandpass filtering techniques are employed to isolate scales and quantify inter-scale interactions through kinetic energy flux\, enstrophy generation\, and enstrophy flux. Two bandpass filter formulations used in the literature are quantitatively assessed by comparing the output.\nThe mean energy and enstrophy cascades are shown to be predominantly local for all the Reynolds numbers. Away from the wall\, the degree of locality decreases while a broader range of scales participate in the cascade. Interestingly the distance at which the inter-scale flux peaks shows a distance-from-wall scaling\, implying relevance of the attached-eddy formalism to energy cascade in scale space (in addition to its relation ​ to momentum transport in physical space). Vorticity stretching as the underlying mechanism of cascade is studied through vorticity alignment statistics. The vortices show preferential alignment with intermediate eigenvector for smaller scale ratios and closer to the wall\, while alignment with the most extensional eigenvector is observed at larger scale ratios and away from the wall. The preferential alignment shows a complex dependence on the wall-normal distance\, suggesting that the wall has important influence on both energy transfer rates and the geometry of structures. Notwithstanding this\, the contribution from most extensional eigenvector dominates enstrophy generation for all conditions. The scaling of energy flux with scale size\, scale ratio\, wall-normal distance\, and Reynolds number is obtained using dimensional arguments and is validated against numerical results.  As the cascade progresses\, the energy at small scales gets concentrated in a small region of space\, reflected as intermittency in enstrophy and energy fluxes. The skewness and kurtosis increase at smaller length scales but they show weak increase with the Reynolds number. The morphology of energy flux and enstrophy iso-surfaces are characterized through Minkowski functionals. Enstrophy structures at small scales are like flattened long tubes\, while large-scale structures are blob-like or short-tube-like. The large-scale structures generally exhibit lower values of filamentarity. Energy flux structures show a similar behaviour\, with near-wall structures being more flattened compared to those farther from the wall. These findings remain unaffected by an increase in threshold for getting the iso-surfaces.\nOverall\, the present study provides new insights into the locality\, scaling\, and morphology of the energy and enstrophy cascade in the channel flow\, offering a unified framework for interpreting multi-scale turbulence dynamics in wall-bounded flows.\n\nSpeaker :  Aditya Anand\n\nResearch Supervisor :  Sourabh Suhas Diwan
URL:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/event/ph-d-engg-turbulence-energy-cascade-in-physical-space-in-a-turbulent-channel-flow/
LOCATION:STC Seminar Hall\, Dept. of Aerospace Engineering
CATEGORIES:Thesis Colloquium / Defence
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Aditya123.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260209T111500
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260209T130000
DTSTAMP:20260418T043926
CREATED:20260202T091939Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T061202Z
UID:10000113-1770635700-1770642000@aero.iisc.ac.in
SUMMARY:Ph.D. (Engg) : Multi-Agent Coordination using Convex Formations and Binary Tree Structures
DESCRIPTION:Multi-agent systems are increasingly deployed in missions involving large-scale tasks with complex objectives that are beyond the capability of a single agent. Such missions demand computationally efficient coordination strategies that ensure safety\, reliable operation\, and ease of implementation\, particularly in dynamic and uncertain environments. This thesis investigates coordination strategies in multi-agent systems\, specifically addressing the problems of distribution of agents on an enclosing boundary\, cooperative target capture and containment\, and traversal through constrained spaces.\n\nThe first part of the thesis presents a convex layer-based strategy that assigns collision-free paths to a swarm of point-sized agents to reach an enclosing circular boundary. Leveraging the construction of convex layers from the initial positions of agents\, a novel search space for an agent on a convex layer is defined as an angular region enclosed between the lines passing through the agent’s position and normal to its supporting edges. A goal assignment policy is proposed\, which designates a unique goal position on the boundary within the search space of an agent. Subsequently\, the proposed framework is extended to polygonal boundaries\, considering disc-shaped agents. Therein\, the proposed policy assigns a goal position to each agent in order of decreasing overlap between their search spaces and the polygonal boundary\, while excluding angular regions corresponding to already assigned goal positions. Further\, a layer-wise speed assignment rule is proposed\, which ensures collision-free trajectories for the agents. Simulation studies assess the proposed method under various real-world considerations\, including the finite size of the agents\, a six-degree-of-freedom quadrotor model\, uncertainties in initial position information\, and communication delays.\n\nIn the second part\, the problem of multiple pursuers engaging a single evader is considered in two complementary scenarios. Firstly\, the problem of capturing the evader in an unbounded region is addressed. As the key construct\, the evader’s proximity region is characterized by the region generated by the Voronoi diagram constructed using the positions of the pursuers and the evader. Pursuers’ velocity inputs are deduced as a function of the position and velocity of the vertices of the evader’s proximity region and the evader. A motion policy is proposed that directs the vertices of the evader’s proximity region toward its centroid\, under which the region is analytically shown to shrink exponentially over time\, irrespective of the evader’s motion policy. In addition\, using the Chebyshev radius of the proximity region\, an upper bound on the time of evader capture is derived. Simulation studies demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method under various evader maneuvers and in scenarios where evader position information is noisy. In a scenario complementary to evader capture\, a containment problem is considered\, wherein multiple pursuers are desired to encapsulate a moving evader. Considering the engagement between the evader and the centroid of the convex hull of pursuers\, a variable deviated pursuit guidance law is proposed\, which achieves a tail-chase rendezvous between the evader and the centroid. Subsequently\, a cooperative control strategy is presented\, which drives the convex hull of pursuers to confine the evader through a prescribed edge while preserving the formation rigidity. Simulation results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method under various evader maneuvers.\n\nThe final part of the thesis addresses the problem of sequential traversal of multiple UAVs through a narrow gap. A hierarchical binary tree is constructed with its nodes defined by the UAVs’ initial positions and the gap entry point\, presenting a routing framework that provides an ordered sequence of waypoints to each UAV. A cost function is formulated that accounts for the UAV path lengths and the angles between branches at the tree nodes\, and a binary tree is constructed by minimizing that cost using a genetic algorithm coupled with a greedy strategy. In conjunction\, a decentralized scheduling policy is proposed\, in which each UAV is assigned conflict-free time slots at nodes that are identified with potential collisions. Simulation scenarios illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method\, and Monte Carlo studies assess its scalability.\n\nOverall\, the thesis presents deterministic and computationally efficient multi-agent coordination strategies by leveraging ideas from convex geometry and binary trees. Experimental flight trials on a nano-quadrotor platform are also conducted\, further demonstrating the practicality of the proposed coordination methods.\n\nSpeaker : Gautam Kumar \n\nResearch Supervisor : Ashwini Ratnoo
URL:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/event/ph-d-engg-multi-agent-coordination-using-convex-formations-and-binary-tree-structures/
LOCATION:STC Seminar Hall\, Dept. of Aerospace Engineering
CATEGORIES:Thesis Colloquium / Defence
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260211T150000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260211T170000
DTSTAMP:20260418T043926
CREATED:20260203T104201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260203T104201Z
UID:10000114-1770822000-1770829200@aero.iisc.ac.in
SUMMARY:AE Seminar-Dr Maanasa Bhat: Low-cost and Low-emissions Strategies for Resolving Challenges in the Hydrogen Supply Chain
DESCRIPTION:Abstract: \nThe Net Zero Emissions 2050 (NZE 2050) initiative sets an ambitious target to eliminate net CO2 within the next two decades. Achieving this goal demands widespread decarbonization across energy\, transportation\, residential\, and industrial sectors. Carbon-free and carbon-neutral fuels are central to this effort. Hydrogen\, an abundant\, high-energy-density\, carbon-free fuel is expected to play a critical role in this transition. While hydrogen is already used in sectors such as chemical production and refining\, expanding its role into transportation and electricity generation requires significant infrastructure development. Key challenges include improving production technologies\, enhancing storage safety\, enabling long-distance transport\, and ensuring economic viability. \nThe current talk discusses low-cost and low-emissions strategies to tackle challenges across three stages of the hydrogen supply chain: production\, storage\, and transportation. Both experimental methodology and big-picture techno-economic and life cycle analysis approaches are utilized as needed. For the production stage\, a low-cost spray synthesis method is investigated for manufacturing mixed metal oxides for potential catalyst use. For hydrogen storage\, improvement of operational safety is discussed by studying the development of highly sensitive hydrogen leak detection sensors working on the chemiresistive principle. For transportation\, a techno-economic and life cycle assessment of intercontinental hydrogen delivery from Australia to Japan is conducted to evaluate the feasibility of using hydrogen carriers such as methanol\, e-LNG and ammonia. Together\, these contributions present economically and environmentally viable strategies to support hydrogen infrastructure development by improving production efficiency\, ensuring safe storage\, and enabling long-distance transportation\, thereby accelerating progress toward NZE 2050 goals. \nAbout the Speaker: \nDr. Maanasa Bhat is a recent PhD graduate from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)\, Cambridge MA\, USA. She conducted her PhD research at the Deng Energy and Nanotechnology Group (PI: Prof. Sili Deng) and the MIT Energy Initiative (PI: Dr. Guiyan Zang). Her research focus is on the development of materials and processes for applications in energy storage and conversion. She is particularly interested in clean energy applications\, focusing on carbon-free fuels and Li-ion batteries. Her approach utilizes both experimental methodologies to tackle fundamental questions and techno-economic and life cycle analysis for problem-solving on a larger scale. She graduated with a Master of Technology (By Research) in 2019 from the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Indian Institute of Science (IISc)\, Bengaluru. She was a recipient of the NASAS medal for best academic performance. She has a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from R.V College of Engineering\, Bengaluru. In addition to research\, she has a keen interest in community engagement and has served in leadership roles as the President of the Indian Students Association at MIT and Chairman of IISc Kannada Sangha Nityotsava.
URL:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/event/ae-seminar-dr-maanasa-bhat-low-cost-and-low-emissions-strategies-for-resolving-challenges-in-the-hydrogen-supply-chain/
LOCATION:STC Seminar Hall\, Dept. of Aerospace Engineering
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260217T110000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260217T130000
DTSTAMP:20260418T043926
CREATED:20260213T055505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260213T055505Z
UID:10000115-1771326000-1771333200@aero.iisc.ac.in
SUMMARY:Ph.D. (Engg) :Experimental Investigation of Autoignition Pathways and Shock-Train Dynamics During Mode Transition in a Dual-Mode Supersonic Cavity Combustor
DESCRIPTION:Hypersonic propulsion systems capable of sustained atmospheric flight are critical enablers for future reusable launch vehicles\, long-range high-speed transport\, and responsive global strike platforms. Among the various air-breathing concepts\, scramjet engines offer unmatched efficiency at hypersonic speeds by utilizing atmospheric oxygen and avoiding the mass penalties associated with onboard oxidizers. However\, the practical realization of scramjet propulsion is fundamentally constrained by two interrelated challenges: reliable ignition and flame stabilization under extremely short residence times\, and robust operation across a wide flight envelope that necessitates smooth transition between supersonic (scramjet) and subsonic (ramjet) combustion modes. Dual-mode scramjets (DMSJ) are designed to address this requirement\, but their operability is limited by complex\, strongly coupled interactions between shock structures\, boundary-layer separation\, fuel-air mixing\, chemical kinetics\, and unsteady pressure fields during mode transition. A central difficulty in hypersonic combustors is that global flow conditions typically yield Damköhler numbers well below unity\, rendering conventional flame-holding ineffective. Localized enhancement of thermochemical coupling through elevated temperature\, pressure\, and residence time is therefore essential to initiate and sustain combustion. Cavity-based flameholders have emerged as a promising solution due to their passive\, low-drag configuration and ability to generate recirculation zones that promote autoignition and flame anchoring. Nevertheless\, cavity-stabilized combustors introduce additional challenges: strong sensitivity to geometry\, concentration of thermal loads\, susceptibility to unsteady shear-layer oscillations\, and complex coupling with shock-train dynamics during scram-to-ram transition. Despite extensive cold-flow investigations of isolator shock trains\, their behaviour under reacting\, high-enthalpy conditions where heat release actively modifies the flow remains insufficiently characterized. This doctoral research discusses a systematic experimental investigation of autoignition pathways\, flame stabilization mechanisms\, and shock-train dynamics in a cavity-stabilized dual-mode supersonic combustor. Experiments are conducted in a direct-connect high-enthalpy facility at the Advanced Propulsion Research Laboratory (APRL)\, Indian Institute of Science. The combustor operates at flight relevant conditions of total temperature of 1500 ± 30 K and static pressure of 43 kPa\, which corresponds to Mach 5.5 flight conditions at 28 km altitude. The experimental test article features an optically accessible supersonic combustor with a single/twin cavity configuration and is designed for an inlet Mach 2.5. Time-resolved Schlieren imaging\, CH* and C2* chemiluminescence\, and high-frequency wall-pressure measurements are employed to resolve unsteady flow-flame interactions governing ignition and mode transition. Two cavity geometries with identical depth but different length-to-height ratios (L/H = 5 and 8.5) were examined to quantify the influence of geometry on ignition robustness and shock–flame coupling. For the L/H = 5 configuration\, ethylene ignition occurred downstream in the diverging duct at a global equivalence ratio of ϕg ≈ 0.3\, followed by upstream flame propagation and eventual stabilization along the shear layer. In contrast\, the L/H = 8.5 cavity enabled earlier and more robust ignition upstream\, triggered by shock-assisted autoignition behind an X-type shock formed through interaction between the cavity reattachment shock and a top-wall separation bubble. The larger cavity generated stronger pressure deficits\, deeper shear-layer penetration\, and self-sustained oscillations at approximately 527 Hz\, highlighting the critical role of cavity geometry in enhancing local Damköhler numbers. Optical diagnostics technique of two-wavelength chemiluminescence (CH* and C2*) revealed ignition kernels forming preferentially in high-temperature lean regions before stabilizing near stoichiometric zones. Shock-induced compression was shown to significantly reduce ignition delay\, enabling autoignition even for fuels with substantially longer chemical timescales. Fuel-blending experiments established a limiting ignition-delay threshold\, providing quantitative guidance for fuel selection in practical hypersonic combustors. The scram-to-ram mode transition occurred at ϕg ≈ 0.58 for both geometries and was marked by the formation of a pre-combustion shock train\, initiated due to combustion induced boundary layer separation. The L/H = 8.5 cavity sustained stable ram-mode operation\, whereas the L/H = 5 configuration frequently reverted to early scram-mode behavior\, indicating weaker shock-flame coupling and reduced buffering capacity against back-pressure fluctuations. Scaling analysis of shock-train dynamics yielded Strouhal numbers (St) an order of magnitude lower than the reported values in the literature based on isothermal shock-train oscillation studies. This demonstrated the dominant influence of heat release and shock-train coupling. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) analysis further revealed tight coupling between shock-train motion and upstream flame propagation\, identifying critical regions in the combustor with substantial heat release fluctuations. Finally\, symmetric dual-cavity configurations were explored to assess coupled shear-layer dynamics. While dual cavities enhance residence time\, their interaction introduces additional unsteady modes\, underscoring the need for geom etry-aware stabilization strategies. Overall\, this work directly addresses critical propulsion challenges for hypersonic vehicles by elucidating the mechanisms governing ignition reliability\, shock-assisted autoignition\, and mode-transition stability in cavity-based dual-mode scramjets. The findings provide mechanistic understanding and scalable design guidelines essential for the development of robust\, operable hypersonic air-breathing propulsion systems. \n  \nSpeaker :  Sumit Lonkar \nResearch Supervisor: Pratikash Prakash Panda
URL:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/event/ph-d-engg-experimental-investigation-of-autoignition-pathways-and-shock-train-dynamics-during-mode-transition-in-a-dual-mode-supersonic-cavity-combustor/
LOCATION:STC Seminar Hall\, Dept. of Aerospace Engineering
CATEGORIES:Thesis Colloquium / Defence
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260223T160000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260223T170000
DTSTAMP:20260418T043926
CREATED:20260220T070846Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260220T070846Z
UID:10000116-1771862400-1771866000@aero.iisc.ac.in
SUMMARY:"Aerospace power as a critical tool of statecraft”
DESCRIPTION:Air Marshal TD Joseph examines aerospace power as a critical instrument of statecraft\, highlighting\nits strategic\, coercive\, and diplomatic roles in modern conflict and international relations. The latest\nexample is India itself choosing aerospace power as the first instrument of choice to punish the\nenemy as in ‘Op Sindoor’. Drawing on historical and contemporary examples from conflicts across\nthe globe and India’s own operations as well as humanitarian relief missions\, he explains how\nairpower shapes outcomes through compellance\, deterrence\, and soft power applications. Synergy\nbetween aerospace and surface forces\, and technological asymmetry are critical to success. Air\npower lends itself to dual use in both hard and soft diplomacy as well as in nation building.\nUltimately\, aerospace power emerges as a decisive yet complementary tool for achieving national\nobjectives. \nSpeaker : Air Marshal TD Joseph\n\nBiography :\n\nAir Marshal TD Joseph\, AVSM\, VM\, VSM (Retd) was commissioned as a Fighter Pilot in the IAF\non 29th December 1982. He has flown various fighter and trainer aircrafts accumulating over 3800 hours of\nflying. \n\nThe Air Marshal has commanded a frontline Fighter Squadron\, the prestigious Flying Instructors’ School\, and\nAir Force Station Hindan\, near Delhi. He has held important Command and Staff appointments across the\ncountry in field and headquarter organisations. His last appointment was as Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) of\nTraining Command where he was responsible for ab-initio and in-service training of officers\, airmen and noncombatants\nof the entire IAF. \n\nHe is a Category ‘A’ Qualified Flying Instructor and an Instrument Rating Instructor & Examiner; alumnus\nNational Defence Academy\, Pune and DSSC Wellington. He attended Royal College of Defence Studies\,\nLondon\, has master’s Degrees from University of Madras and King’s College London\, and MPhil from\nUniversity of Madras. Besides graduating at the top of his Air Force Course\, the Air Marshal stood First in\nJungle & Snow Survival Course\, Instrument Rating Instructor &Examiner Course\, and Air Staff Course. \n\nAuthor of a book entitled “Winning India’s Next War” (2007)\, he has written chapters in edited books and other\npublished articles on air strategy and security. \n\nAir Marshal Joseph was conferred with the Presidential awards of Vayusena Medal in 2003\, Vishsisht Seva\nMedal in 2010 and Ati Vishsisht Seva Medal in 2021. The Air Marshal hung his blue uniform on 31st July 2021\nafter 38 ½ years of service. \n\nHe is married to Mrs Sophie Joseph\, an educator\, and they have two sons\, the elder one with the World Bank\,\nand the younger one\, an aviator with Indigo Airlines
URL:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/event/aerospace-power-as-a-critical-tool-of-statecraft/
LOCATION:Auditorium (AE 005)\, Department of Aerospace Engineering
CATEGORIES:AE Seminar
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260307T090000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260307T170000
DTSTAMP:20260418T043926
CREATED:20260306T051722Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T051722Z
UID:10000118-1772874000-1772902800@aero.iisc.ac.in
SUMMARY:Aerospace Engineering Open Day 2026
DESCRIPTION:Indian Institute of Science\, Bengaluru\, as in the previous years\, is organizing an “OPEN DAY” event to show-case its activities to the student community and the general public on Saturday\, 07 March 2026 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. \nClick here for Mobile App QR Code (Only Android) \nClick here Mobile App QR Code (Only iOS)  \nClick here for Registration \nClick here for Public Transport \n 
URL:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/event/aerospace-engineering-open-day-2026/
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260309T093000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260309T170000
DTSTAMP:20260418T043926
CREATED:20260304T103020Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T103020Z
UID:10000117-1773048600-1773075600@aero.iisc.ac.in
SUMMARY:Statistical Discovery for Engineering and Science – a hands-on workshop using JMP®
DESCRIPTION:We are happy announce a one-day hands-on workshop using JMP in the Auditorium of Department of Aerospace Engineering\, IISc on 9th March. Please find below a brief information about the workshop. For a detailed information please visit our website https://abcmc.iisc.ac.in/events/\nOverall Objectives \nIntroduce JMP as a powerful\, user-friendly platform for data visualization\, statistical discovery\, research methods\, predictive modeling\, and Multivariate analysis.\nDemonstrate domain-specific applications of JMP. Facilitate hands-on learning through a practical workshop on Statistics\, Predictive Modeling and data visualization topics.\nHighlight the strategic value of integrating JMP into IISc’s teaching\, learning\, and research ecosystems. \nAbout JMP:\nJMP® (pronounced “jump”) is a powerful statistical discovery software designed for dynamic data visualization\, statistical analysis\, predictive modeling\, and design of experiments (DOE). First launched in 1989\, JMP is developed by SAS Institute Inc.\, a global leader in analytics based in Cary\, North Carolina\, USA.\nWidely used in Industry\, academia\, and research\, JMP combines a highly interactive\, visual interface with robust analytics to help users explore data\, uncover patterns\, and make informed decisions. Its intuitive\, drag-and-drop environment makes it especially popular among scientists\, engineers\, and data analysts who need to perform complex analyses without requiring extensive programming. \nWorkshop Facilitator: Muralidhara A\, PhD | Global JMP Team | 9986431959                                   Dr S. Nagendra\, Aerospace Engineering\, IISc. \nMuralidhara A is part of JMP Global Team. He holds a B Tech\, MBA\, and PhD. He has served more than 23 years in Analytics and Data Science Industry and worked for Genpact\, Target and Danske holding various leadership positions. He is also a trainer in Statistical Data Analysis\, Data Science & ML and DOE (Design of Experiments) and has conducted workshops for both academic and commercial organisations. He has authored many academic case studies and a co-author of the book Machine Learning for Business Analytics from Wiley International Publications. He continues to learn and share thoughts on Statistical Thinking for Problem solving. \nPlease register using the link given below before 6th of March. \nhttps://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScOMwQJFFXsGyEGuRjUNz7Ex1sb1um4RxEYoOayrirBtRksWA/viewform?usp=publish-editor \nRegistration to the workshop is free. Only limited seats\, please register at the earliest.
URL:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/event/statistical-discovery-for-engineering-and-science-a-hands-on-workshop-using-jmp/
LOCATION:Auditorium (AE 005)\, Department of Aerospace Engineering
CATEGORIES:Workshops / Conferences
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260416T110000
DTEND;TZID=Asia/Kolkata:20260416T130000
DTSTAMP:20260418T043926
CREATED:20260413T094427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260413T094427Z
UID:10000119-1776337200-1776344400@aero.iisc.ac.in
SUMMARY:M.Tech(Res) : Effect of hydrogen-enrichment on soot formation in laminar gaseous hydrocarbon flames
DESCRIPTION:Gaseous and particulate pollutants pose a significant threat to human health and the environment\, prompting regulatory action to address major sources of emissions. Soot is a key particulate pollutant. Recently\, emission standards for commercial aeroengines have been revised\, necessitating the mitigation of soot emissions. Investigating the soot formation process is a key step towards reducing emissions. Soot formation is a complex process that poses a challenge to the chemical kinetics community. Predicting soot is computationally expensive and challenging\, requiring reliable reduced mechanisms for practical fuels. The primary obstacle is the lack of systematic data to develop and validate chemical kinetics models for soot prediction. Hydrogen (H2) is being explored as a means to decarbonize the automotive\, aviation\, and power generation sectors. However\, implementing pure H2 in practical devices is difficult due to higher operating temperatures and flame speeds. Alternatively\, H2 can be blended into traditional hydrocarbon fuels. The addition of H2 influences the combustion chemistry of hydrocarbon fuels\, which consequently leads to changes in the composition of combustion products. The aviation industry uses practical fuels to form turbulent flames. However\, the complexity of practical fuels and flow fields makes it difficult to predict the concentrations of combustion emissions. A systematic study of soot formation in laminar gaseous-fuel flames can aid in developing reduced soot reaction mechanisms and understanding the soot formation process. This work reports a database of soot concentrations for C1–C4 hydrocarbons (methane\, ethane\, propane\, and butane) under laminar premixed and non-premixed conditions. Additionally\, the influence of H2 blending on soot formation is examined for these fuels. The parameters\, such as soot volume fraction (fv)\, distributions of soot precursors (PAH) and OH\, and gas temperature\, are measured using laser-based diagnostic techniques. The study of soot formation was performed on two different burner configurations: premixed and non-premixed. The premixed burner stabilized flames with φ = 2.3 were stabilized on the McKenna burner equipped with a stagnation plate. To ensure flame stability\, a mixture of O2 and Ar was used as the oxidizer. The reactant flow rates for test cases are selected such that the carbon influx (Cin)\, C/O ratio\, and O2 fraction in oxidizer are kept constant. The non-premixed flames were stabilized on a coflow burner. The flow conditions were selected to maintain a constant Cin\, thereby isolating the influence of Cin on soot. For both flame configurations\, H2 is added up to 40 % (by volume) to a base hydrocarbon fuel. H2 addition has three primary effects: thermal\, dilution\, and chemical. The chemical effect of H2 on soot is isolated using a reference flame\, created by replacing H2 with helium. The comparison of fv with this reference flame allows for the quantification of the chemical effect of H2 on soot. The fv is measured for both premixed and non-premixed flames by using the laser-induced incandescence (LII) technique. The distribution of PAH is measured using the planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) technique. Additionally\, for non-premixed flames\, the distributions of OH and the temperature field were measured using the PLIF technique. The elemental carbon-to-hydrogen ratio (C/H) governs the maturity of soot. The soot maturity changes with height above the burner (HAB)\, introducing a bias in LII measurements. The LII fluence curve trends with HAB in premixed flames are used to estimate the relative change in soot maturity. These trends along HAB are used to estimate relative changes in the optical properties of soot particles (E(m)). PAH are the precursors to soot formation. However\, interpreting PAH-LIF (IPAH) trends is challenging due to the dependence of LIF on temperature and quenching by combustion products. In this work\, an empirical approach is used to correct the IPAH in premixed flames for these dependencies. Additionally\, the extinction signature in radial IPAH profiles is used to obtain absorption-based PAH concentration. This approach mitigates the bias in interpreting the PAH trends in premixed flames. Soot volume fraction (fv) increases monotonically with carbon number (C1 to C4) for alkanes in both laminar premixed and non-premixed flames. The total soot loading parameter is used to examine the overall sooting tendency. The soot loading decreases relative to neat flames with H2-enrichment for all fuels. The extent of suppression of soot formation by H2 addition is greater in premixed flames than in non-premixed flames. Cin is examined relative to CxHy/He flames. It was observed that Cin is strongly dependent on the type of fuel. H2 enrichment inhibits pyrolysis in ethylene (alkene) fuel\, contributing to delayed soot onset relative to the helium reference flame. Conversely\, H2 promotes (relative to helium) pyrolysis in non-premixed C1–C4 alkane flames\, thereby enhancing soot. In premixed alkane flames\, H2 suppresses soot in the inception-dominated region but enhances soot in growth-dominated regions. This contrasts with ethylene flame\, where H2 reduces soot formation throughout HAB. These findings reveal the fuel-specific impact of H2 enrichment on soot formation\, providing a systematic dataset to support the validation of chemical kinetics models and the design of low-emission combustion systems. The performance of the state-of-the-art soot reaction mechanism to predict fv is assessed against measurements. Additionally\, chemical kinetics analysis is performed to examine the chemical effect of H2 on soot formation. \n  \nSpeaker : Choudhari Aditya Sunil  \nResearch Supervisor :  Irfan Ahmed Mulla
URL:https://aero.iisc.ac.in/event/m-techres-effect-of-hydrogen-enrichment-on-soot-formation-in-laminar-gaseous-hydrocarbon-flames/
LOCATION:STC Seminar Hall\, Dept. of Aerospace Engineering
CATEGORIES:Thesis Colloquium / Defence
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