January 17, 2025 @ 3:00 - 4:30 pm

Gas Turbine Research with MathWorks

This seminar has two main objectives. First, it aims to showcase how the collaboration with MathWorks engineers and the use of MathWorks tools has enhanced gas turbine aerothermal research at the Whittle Laboratory, University of Cambridge. Key areas of research to be discussed include: 1. Advanced post-processing of computational fluid dynamics data 2. Development of low-order models to understand and describe complex flow physics 3. Rapid design, manufacture, and experimental testing of aero-engine rig components
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This seminar has two main objectives. First, it aims to showcase how the collaboration with MathWorks engineers and the use of MathWorks tools has enhanced gas turbine aerothermal research at the Whittle Laboratory, University of Cambridge. Key areas of research to be discussed include:

1. Advanced post-processing of computational fluid dynamics data
2. Development of low-order models to understand and describe complex flow physics
3. Rapid design, manufacture, and experimental testing of aero-engine rig components

Second, the seminar will introduce the MIT Gas Turbine Laboratory to the various ways MathWorks engineers can support their research through provision of both tooling and engineering expertise.

Bio: Ben Mohankumar is a Senior Application Engineer at MathWorks in Cambridge, UK. He collaborates with Aerospace and Defence companies across Northern Europe to address their technical and business challenges, demonstrating how MathWorks tools like MATLAB and Simulink can provide effective solutions.

Prior to this role, Ben worked in the Fan and Intake Aerodynamics team at Rolls-Royce, specialising in fan-distortion interaction and engine-aircraft integration. He played a key role in developing in-service aero engines and led collaborative research teams between industry and academia, advancing new design methods and technologies for future Rolls-Royce engines.

Ben earned his PhD from the Whittle Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, under the supervision of Prof. Chez Hall. His research explored the aerodynamic coupling effects between engine fan blades and inlets at a high angle of attack flight condition. This work directly informed the design of the Rolls-Royce UltraFan Engine Demonstrator, which was successfully tested in May 2023.