DEPARTMENT OF AEROSPACE ENGINEERING

Dr. Sri Nithya Mahottamananda

Designation:Assistant Professor (Sel. Gr.)
Nature of Employment:Regular
Qualification:B.Sc., M.E.,Ph.D
Date of Joining:16-Jul-13
Email ID:mahoaero@crescent.education

Teaching

Educational Background

ProgrammeDisciplineName of the University / InstitutionYear of Passing
Ph.D.Aerospace EngineeringBSACIST2021
M.ESpace engineering and Rocketry, Specialization – Rocket PropulsionBirla Institute of technology2013
B. EAeronautical EngineeringAnna University, Chennai2010
BScPhysicsPeriyar university, Salem2007

Experience

DesignationInstitutionDurationNo. of Years
Assistant Professor (Sel.Gr)B.S.Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and TechnologyJuly, 2023 to till dateTill date
Assistant Professor (Sr.Gr)B.S.Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and TechnologyJuly, 2018 to June 20235
Assistant ProfessorB.S.Abdur Rahman Institute of Science and TechnologyJuly, 2013 to June 20185

Courses Taught

  • Basics of Aeronautical Engineering
  • Airbreathing Propulsion
  • Rocket propulsion
  • Combustion
  • Rockets and Missiles
  • Heat Transfer

Key Skills

S.No.SkillDetails
1Testing and System engineering of Micro-Propulsion and miniaturized propulsion systems.· Hands-on experience in testing solid, liquid, and hybrid rocket motors rocket motors
· Design of sub-components for propulsion systems
· Instrumentation and Data Acquisition
2Rocket Thrust-Stand Development· Experience in establishing the thrust stands for testing the lab-scale rocket motors
· Standard safety procedures
· Risk assessment and mitigation
3Pressure, Thrust, and Temperature measurements· Handling the various types of pressure sensors, thrust, and thermocouples
· Integrating the physical sensors with LABVIE software
· National Instruments Data Modules and Data Acquisition Systems
4Solid Propellant and Solid Fuel Technology· Preparation of solid propellants (HTPB-AP, PVC-AP)
· Casting and assembling the solid rocket motor (500 N thrust level)
· Knowledge and hands-on experience in the preparation and testing of various solid fuels for hybrid rockets
5Propellant Characterization· Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC)
· Surface Morphology of propellants using SEM
· Bomb Calorimeter for the heat of combustion
· Burn rate studies: High Pressure and low-pressure Crawford bomb
· Mechanical properties: Instron UTM Machine
6Opposite flow burner· Solid fuel pellets were combusted in the OFP setup
· Regression rate and combustion characteristics of prepared solid fuel samples will be explored
7High-speed camera· A high-speed camera was used to understand the combustion physics of prepared solid fuels and using an image processing technique ignition delay was calculated.
8Injector spray characteristics· Knowledge and hands-on experience in spray characteristics of injectors.
· Developed a diffused backlight system using a DSLR camera

PhD guidance

  • 01 student

Technical skills

  • Programming: LABVIEW
  • Designing and Modelling: basics of ANSYS, AUTO-CAD, CATIA
  • Data Analysis and graphs: Origin Pro, Image J
  • General: MS office

Research

Areas of Research Interest

S.No.Research DomainOverview
1Propulsion and Combustion· Many challenges exist in the air-breathing and non-air-breathing propulsion systems and their combustion
· Combustion characterization of propellants
2Green and Sustainable propellant and Propulsion Systems· Green propellants for sustainable propulsion systems for space transportation
· Hydrogen Peroxide as a green propellant
· Oxygen-methane-based propulsion systems for in-space applications
3Micro Propulsion· Micro Propulsion systems for Reaction control and attitude control for spacecraft’s
· Resistojet water-based propellants for Micro Propulsion
4Solid Fuel Ramjet Propulsion· Solid Fuel Ramjet engine is used for various missile applications.

Publications (Papers Published)

Google scholar link – https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=Z1PbuekAAAAJ&hl=en

Research Publication

S.No.TitleJournalVolume, Issue, Year, SCI/Non-SCI/IFCitationAuthorshiph-index/ Total Citation
1Combustion study of HTPB–sugar hybrid fuel with gaseous oxygenJournal of Thermal Analysis and CalorimetryVol.123, 3, March.2016, SCI IF: 5.25 (2023)121sth-Index: 6 Total i10 index:3 Citations: 93
2Regression Rate Characterization of HTPB-Paraffin-Based Solid Fuels for Hybrid RocketPropellants Pyrotechnics and ExplosivesVol. 45, Nov 2020, SCI IF: 2.26 (2023)161st
3A study on thermal stability and combustion performance of hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene-paraffin blended fuelEnergy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and Environmental EffectsSep.2020, SCI IF: 3.27(2023)41st
4Thermal stability and kinetic study of blended Beeswax-ethylene vinyl acetate-based hybrid rocket fuelsThermochimica ActaVol.702, August 2021, SCI IF: 3.81 (2023)51st
5Review on the Regression Rate-Improvement Techniques and Mechanical Performance of Hybrid Rocket FuelsFirePhysChem,Vol.1, 4, Nov.2021 SCI162nd
6Thermal and Ballistic Evaluation of Beeswax-EVA/Activated-Charcoal-Based fuels for hybrid rocketsEnergiesVol.15, 20 , Oct. 2021, SCI IF: 3.66 (2023)21st
7Combustion performance of paraffin-based hybrid rocket fuels loaded with MgB2 andcarbon black additivesPropulsion and Power ResearchVol.12,2, June 2023, SCI IF: 5.5552nd
8Thermal decomposition kinetics and combustion performance of paraffin-based fuel in the presence of CeO2 catalystFirePhysChemVol.3,2, Sept 2022,52nd
9Oxidation reaction kinetics of HTPB-boron carbide/polytetrafluoroethylene formulations as a solid fuelFuelVol.352, Nov.2023,SCI IF: 8.3032nd
10Unrevealing the role of dual Ti/Mg metals on the ignition and combustion behavior of HTPB-boron-based fuelDefence TechnologyJuly 2023, SCI IF: 5.233rd
11.Exploring the potential of boron carbide in enhancing energy output of solid fuels for SFRJ and hybrid rocket propulsion systemsPropellants Pyrotechnics and ExplosivesNov 2023, SCI IF: 2.26 (2023)1st 
12.Enhancement of the energetic performance of Solid Fuels with Metal-Fluoropolymer AdditivesFirePhysChemSep 20235th 

Lecture Notes in Mechanical Engineering Book Series

S.No.TitleConferencePublisherProceedings YearAuthorship
1Spray characteristics of plug-type swirl injectorProceedings of the Advances in Science and Engineering Technology International ConferencesIEEE Explore20181st
2Effect of Number of Inlet Tangential Ports and Their Angle on Spray Characteristics of Plug Type Swirl InjectorProceedings of the Innovative Design, Analysis, and Development Practices in Aerospace and Automotive EngineeringSpringer20201st
3Mechanical Characteristics of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate Mixed Beeswax Fuel for Hybrid Rockets Proceedings of the Advances in Design and Thermal SystemsSpringer20211st
4Mechanical Characteristics of Paraffin Wax, Beeswax, and HTPB as Rocket Propellant—A Comparative StudyProceedings of the Advances in Design and Thermal SystemsSpringer20212nd
5Mechanical Characteristics of Paraffin Wax-HTPB-Based Hybrid Rocket FuelProceedings of the International Conference of Aerospace and Mechanical EngineeringSpringer20201st

Conference Publications

S.No.Title and ConferenceDate/Year/PlaceAuthorship
1Title: Regression rate study of mixed paraffin and beeswax-based solid fuels for hybrid rocket applications Conference: 13th International High Energy Materials Conference and ExhibitsMay 26-28/2022 Chandigarh, India.2nd
2Title: Effect of Fe2O3 on Combustion Performance of HTPB/Boron-based Solid Fuel for Hybrid Rocket Applications   Conference: 2nd international conference on recent advances in material science and computational techniques.May 30-31/2022 Manipal University, Jaipur4th
3Title: Understanding of the total pressure losses nature in a scramjet combustor   Conference: 25th AIAA International Space Planes and Hypersonic Systems and Technologies ConferenceMay 28- June 1 /2023 IISc, Bangalore4th
4Title: Evaluating Ignition and Combustion Performance with Al-Metal-Organic Frameworks and Nano-Aluminum in HTPB fuel     Conference: 14th International High Energy Materials Conference and ExhibitsFeb 01-03/2024 Kerala, India.2nd

Conferences / Seminars / Short Term Courses Participated

  • Participated in 30 days National level faculty induction program conducted by UGC-HRDC by the University of Madras, Awarded certificate with A grade for best performance in participating and learning, 2023
  • Attended and presented a paper at the 14 th International High Energy Materials Conference & Exhibits from 01.02.2024 to 03.02.2024 in Kerala, organized by HEMCE – DRDO and VSSC.
  • participated & completed AICTE Training And Learning (ATAL) Academy Faculty Development Program on RECENT ADVANCES IN SMART MATERIALS AND SENSOR TECHNOLOGIES at HINDUSTAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY AND SCIENCE from 08/01/2024 to13/01/2024.
  • Participated in the AICTE Sponsored six days Short term Training programme on “Be the change-Teaching Learning Process” organized by the HR & Faculty Training Academy, BSACIST, 15th to 20th Feb, 2021
  • Webinar on “Air Breathing Hypersonic Vehicle Propulsion ”organized by Patil Institute of Technology, Pimpri, Pune-411018, 4th November 2020
  • Trainning program on crescent LMS for faculty members organized by BSACIST, Aug 2020
  • 2nd international Conference of Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering, School of Aerospace Engineering, University Sains Malaysia on 20-21 NOV 2019
  • Attended international workshop on “Detonation wave engines” organized by CDTS, Hindustan Institute of Technology & Science, Chennai, India on 12-13 MAR 2018.
  • 11th International High Energy Materials Conference and Exhibits HEMCE 2017, Pune
  • 9th International High Energy Materials Conference and Exhibits HEMCE 2014, Thiruvananthapuram.
  • Faculty Development Program on ‘Fluid Mechanics’ from 27.06.2016 to 02.07.2016./organised by Department of Aerospace Engineering, BSACIST.
  • FDP on “ENGINEERING THERMODYNAMICS” during 18 -23, JULY 2016./Department of Automobile Engineering of BSAIST.
  • One week training in ‘ANSYS DESIGN MODELER MESHING AND FLUENT CONDUCTED BY AEROSPACE, May 2015. BSAIST.
  • Six Day induction training programme conducted by faculty training Academy BSAIST, 13 -07, June 2014, BSAIST.
  • National Seminar on Recent Advances in flow Measurements and Test Techniques On Friday, March 14, 2014, BSACIST.

Sponsored Projects / International Research Collaboration/ Consultancy handled

Name of the InvestigatorProject TitleProject Type Research / ConsultancyFunding AgencyAmount in Rs (Lakhs)Duration
Sri Nithya Mahottamananda (Co-PI)Development of Hybrid Rocket MotorResearchAeronautical Research & Development Board, DRDO9.792017 – 20
Sri Nithya MahottamanandaDevelopment of swirl injector and test facilityResearchCrescent university12017-18  
Sri Nithya MahottamanandaThermal stability and kinetic study of blended Beeswax-ethylene vinyl acetate-based hybrid rocket fuelsResearchCrescent university0.22018-19
Sri Nithya MahottamanandaDevelopment of boron based solid fuels for hybrid and solid fuel ramjet engine applicationsInternational Research collaboration workSapienza university, Italy32021-22
Sri Nithya MahottamanandaRegression rate study of mixed paraffin and beeswax solid fuel for hybrid rocketConsultancy and collaborative researchMIT Chennai0.102021-22
Sri Nithya MahottamanandaCombustion study of boron-ion oxide solid fuels for hybrid rocket and solid fuel ramjet engineConsultancy and collaborative researchHindustan university, Chennai2021-22
Sri Nithya MahottamanandaDevelopment of MOF based solid fuels for hybrid/SFRJ ApplicationsCollaborative researchHindustan university, Chennai2021-22

Sponsored projects Applied

Name of the Principal InvestigatorProject TitleCo-PI Name & Institution NameFunding AgencyAmount in Rs (Lakhs)Month & Year
Dr.Sri Nithya Mahottamananda(Co-PI)Development of HTPB+Boran/Viton Based Solid fuels for SFRJ and Hybrid rocket enginessDr.Jayaraman, IIT MadrasDRDO – AR & DB30.84Mar 2023
Dr.Sri Nithya MahottamanandaEnvironment friendly ABS/PLA based reinforced beeswax solid fuel CharacterizationMr.S.V.Karthikeyan, BSACISTTNSCST4.9Aug 2023
Sri Nithya MahottamanandaDevelopment of Boron-Magnesium Alloys Based Solid Fuels and their Evaluation in SFRJ ModeM.Thirumurugan BSACISTTNST4,85,000/-MAR & 2022
Sri Nithya MahottamanandaDevelopment of HTPB+Boron+Viton Based Solid Fuels and Its Evaluation in SFRJ and Hybrid rocket ModePorf.Nagendra Kumar IIT BombaySERB-CRG38,72,400APR & 2022
M.ThirumuruganEnvironment- friendly novel metal-organic frameworks based on energetic solid fuels for Hybrid rocket/Solid fuel Ramjet engine applicationsSri Nithya Mahottamananda BSACISTSERB-SURE27,79,200OCT & 2022

Sponsored projects

  • A DRDO-sponsored research project was executed (Co-PI) (Development of Hybrid Rocket Motor)
  • Collaborated with Sapienza University, Italy for a sponsored research project (Development of boron-based solid fuels for hybrid and solid fuel ramjet engine applications)
  • The joint research proposal was submitted to the SERB_CRG Scheme along with IIT Bombay

Consultancy

  • Consultancy/collaborated project work completed with MIT Chennai, Hindustan University Chennai, etc.

Labs Established

  • A hybrid rocket propulsion lab, propulsion lab, swirl injector test facility with high-speed image techniques, and opposite flow burner test facility were established at BSACIST.

Collaborated in research with the following universities/Companies

  • School of Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome.
  • School of Aerospace Engineering, University of Brasilia.
  • School of Aerospace Engineering, Ecole Militaire Polytechnique, Algeria.
  • School of Aeronautical Science, Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science.
  • Department of Aerospace Engineering, Alliance University
  • Department of Aerospace, IIT Bombay
  • Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra
  • Xian Modern Chemistry Research Institute, China
  • Avex Technology (KOZMOZ), Abu Dhabi (Process initiated)

Accomplishment

  • Selected and Visited for the 2022 visiting professor (Research) call launched by Sapienza University, Italy.
  • The international seminar is given as a resource person to the school of  Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University, Italy.