Rithik R Nambiar
I am a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering at Florida State University through the joint FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, investigating shock wave–boundary layer interactions over axisymmetric geometries.
My research portfolio spans computational aeroacoustics, wind energy systems, and lighter-than-air systems through collaborations with leading US and Indian institutions including IIT Bombay and IIST Trivandrum.
Previously I completed my MS in Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University, and was a Project Research Assistant at the LTA Systems Laboratory, IIT Bombay. I hold a BTech in Aeronautical Engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology with a minor in Fundamentals of Computing.
Recent News
Experience
- Investigating shock wave–boundary layer interactions (SWBLI) over axisymmetric geometries in high-speed flow.
- Applying dynamic modeling and time-domain simulations for a novel Wave-Augmented Floating Offshore Wind Turbine (WAFOWT) system using MATLAB/Simulink and WEC-Sim to evaluate wave-body interactions and enhance platform stability.
- Teaching Assistant for AERE 3220: Aerospace Structures Laboratory, guiding 30+ students through hands-on experiments in aerospace structural principles.
- Designed a novel ultrasonic bat deterrent device leveraging aerodynamic whistles to mitigate wind turbine mortality risks at wind farms.
- Enhanced understanding of aerodynamic whistle performance by conducting detailed CFD and CAA simulations, identifying key operational principles and areas for design improvement.
- Applied Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) methods using Discrete Adjoint approach with OpenFOAM (DAFoam) to enhance device performance.
- Led feasibility study on solar/wind aerostats for transmission towers, reducing potential costs by 20%.
- Optimized power generation efficiency by 15% through CFD analysis of horizontal and vertical axis turbines.
- Developed dashboard to streamline aerostat design process, reducing cycle time by 60%.
- Teaching Assistant for AE664: LTA Systems, earning positive feedback for exceptional teaching support.
- Demonstrated leadership by organizing impactful events, outreach programs, guiding interns, and strengthening project visibility.
- Conducted collaborative research employing ANSYS Fluent to dissect screech tones in supersonic jets.
- Evaluated sound pressure levels and acoustic behaviors across diverse microphone locations, providing valuable insights into aircraft performance.
- Explored the impact of Mach numbers on noise generation in supersonic jets, focusing on predicting screech tones.
- Performed design and analysis of critical aircraft components in the Wing & Empennage division, enhancing structural integrity and performance.
- Executed a focused study on gurney flaps, optimizing their application for a 15% improvement in lift coefficient.
Publications
Visit [Google Scholar] for my full list of publications.
Thesis
Education
Honors & Awards
Technical Skills
Numerical Analysis
Programming
Computing
Post-Processing
CAD & Design
Documentation
Research Projects
Computational Aeroacoustics
Numerical prediction of axisymmetric jet screech tones in supersonic flows, and aeroacoustic optimisation of aerodynamic whistles using a discrete adjoint approach.
Open projectWind Energy Systems
Dynamic modelling of an OWC-integrated floating offshore wind turbine platform, vertical axis turbine optimisation, and ultrasonic bat deterrents for wind farms.
Open projectLighter-than-Air Systems
Turbine aerostats for electrical power generation and a solar-powered hybrid airship for agriculture, developed at the LTA Systems Laboratory, IIT Bombay.
Open projectContact
Field Notes
Glimpses from labs, conferences, and milestones along the way.
