Fishing for ideas 

As the Chair Professor at the Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras, R.I Sujith heads one of the high-profile laboratories in the world through the Centre of Excellence for studying Critical Transitions in Complex Systems – both in engineering and nature. 

In a career spanning decades, Sujith has over 390 technical publications, 14 patents and has written a book on Thermoacoustic Instability. His research particularly focuses on complex systems such as turbulent thermo-fluid systems, climate systems, cloud dynamics, and infectious diseases exhibiting critical transitions that can lead to disastrous consequences. 

The Centre of Excellence, which boasts of world-class facilities, strives to unravel the science behind these transitions in diverse systems and develop trained manpower and translational technologies. We take a deep dive into the high-functioning lab in this photo feature. 

Captions by Jayesh Dhadphale, a PhD student from Aerospace Engineering 

Setting up the laser receiver for Phase Doppler Particle Analyzer (PDPA) to study the effect of turbulence on droplet formation.

Laboratory-scale setup to study thermoacoustic instability in axial combustors. The setup is equipped with facilities to acquire pressure, chemiluminescence images, and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements at high sampling rates.

Captivating patterns found in clouds are seen in the laboratory setup used for studying the formation of rain droplets.

One of the few facilities in the world to study thermoacoustic instability in annular combustors used in gas turbine engines. The setup is uniquely built with large transverse dimensions to facilitate axial and transverse instability.

Stabilising the flame on the burner with rectangular slots is not an easy task. One needs to be focused and patient.

The slotted burner setup provides a test bench for rapid prototyping and testing new ideas related to thermoacoustic systems. The dynamics observed in the slotted burner belies its simplicity.

Listening to the loud singing flames is an overwhelming experience. The lab members regulate the combustor operation from a separate control room adhering to safety measures.

The state-of-the-art facilities trigger the creativity of students, helping them come up with fresh ideas. Hands-on experience of these facilities transform students into expert researchers.

Prof. Sujith frequently participates in brainstorming sessions with students from which innovative ideas emerge. He believes in knowledge sharing and collective learning.

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