Projects
Step into a world where curiosity fuels discovery and innovation drives progress. This space showcases my journey through cutting-edge research and transformative projects, each reflecting a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a passion for pushing boundaries. Join me in exploring ideas that ignite curiosity, fuel breakthroughs, and leave a lasting impact on science and technology.
Aerodynamics & Aeroacoustics
Unconventional Propellers for Urban Air Mobility
This project focuses on the aerodynamic and aeroacoustic development of unconventional propellers to enhance Urban Air Mobility (UAM) aircraft and drones, addressing key challenges in propulsion efficiency and noise suppression. UAM enables on-demand air transportation using VTOL and STOL-capable aircraft, catering to passenger services such as air taxis, emergency response, and cargo logistics within metropolitan areas. While advancements in situational awareness and collision-avoidance systems are progressing, energy management and propulsion efficiency remain critical challenges. This research investigates slotted and staggered propeller configurations, aiming to develop high-performance propellers capable of maximizing thrust while minimizing power consumption. Another key innovation involves the development of a variable pitch propeller (VPP) system, allowing in-flight propeller-pitch adaptation for quicker flight response and enhanced maneuverability, ultimately improving flight safety in complex urban airspace. The project is being conducted at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and is supported by dedicated four-year funding of USD 200,000 under the UPAR grant, contributing to the advancement of UAM infrastructure in the UAE and fostering new investment opportunities in sustainable urban aviation.
Duct-Augmented Wind turbines
This project explores the performance enhancement of a ducted small-scale NREL Phase VI wind turbine using a Wind Lens diffuser to improve power output, particularly under low wind conditions. The study investigates the integration of passive flow control devices, including Vortex Generators, Microtabs, and Slots, strategically positioned across the Wind Lens to augment mass flow through the rotor. By manipulating airflow within the diffuser, the research demonstrates a significant increase in torque and power output, validating the effectiveness of these flow control mechanisms in turbulence management and flow separation control. A detailed analysis of pressure fields, flow structures, and turbulence is conducted to evaluate their collective impact on rotor aerodynamics. The findings highlight the potential of ducted wind turbines in regions with low wind potential, offering a cost-effective and aerodynamically efficient solution for small-scale wind energy applications. This ongoing research at Renewable and Sustainable Energy Research Center (RSERC), Technology Innovation Institute (TII) aims to contribute to the advancement of renewable energy technologies, supporting the transition away from carbon-intensive energy sources.
Wind Turbine Flow Control
This project developed advanced flow-control mechanisms for wind turbine blades to improve aerodynamic and aeroacoustic performance under varying wind conditions. The research introduced morphing trailing-edge and slot-profile mechanisms, utilizing active and passive flow control strategies to enhance blade efficiency. The morphing trailing-edge technology adjusted the local mean camber, increasing lift and torque while lowering the cut-in wind speed. The slot-profile mechanism controlled boundary layer flow, reducing flow separation and stall, which effectively lowered the rated wind speed and maximized power output. Numerical investigations analyzed pressure and velocity fields, boundary layers, flow separation, and wake profiles, leading to the integration of these flow-control devices into the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) Phase-VI research wind turbine for performance validation. The research contributed to advancements in wind energy technology, particularly benefiting regions with low average wind speeds, such as the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The project was conducted as part of a PhD thesis at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). The findings were published in seven journal papers and three conference papers. The research also resulted in the development of intellectual property, leading to three granted US patents.
Acoustically Enhanced Landing Pads
This project developed an acoustically enhanced landing pad designed to mitigate ambient noise generated by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) during takeoff and landing. The system incorporates a landing pad with multiple zones of varied porosity levels and perforated channels, which are strategically structured to absorb and dissipate propeller downwash noise. The design further integrates aqueous sheets at the inlets and along the channels to enhance acoustic energy absorption, effectively reducing sound-pressure transmission loss. This innovation contributes to quieter UAV operations, making it highly beneficial for urban environments and noise-sensitive areas. The research was conducted at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and resulted in a granted US patent. The project also received the prestigious Chancellor’s Innovation Award at UAEU, recognizing its significance in advancing noise reduction technologies for UAV applications.
Twist Morphing Wind Turbine Blades
This project developed a twist morphing wind turbine blade designed to dynamically adjust its shape in response to changing wind conditions, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and structural resilience. The blade features a central shaft with a guide track, where a sliding mass moves under centrifugal force as the rotor spins. This movement rotates a driven shaft, which in turn actuates connecting rods to manipulate alternating active and passive ribs, enabling controlled twist morphing along the blade’s medial sections. By passively adapting its twist, the blade optimizes lift, load distribution, and power output, reducing mechanical stress and improving energy capture. The research was conducted at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and resulted in a granted US patent. The innovation was further recognized with the prestigious Chancellor’s Innovation Award at UAEU, highlighting its impact in advancing wind energy technology.
Experimental Study of Airfoil in Wind Tunnel
This project investigated the aerodynamic behavior of a symmetrical airfoil (NACA 0015) inside a subsonic wind tunnel to analyze its pressure distribution, velocity distribution, and aerodynamic forces. The study explored the effect of varying wind velocity, influenced by changes in wind tunnel wattage power, on the airfoil's performance. Pressure coefficients were calculated at different positions along the airfoil surface under varying flow conditions, while coefficients of lift and drag were determined across multiple angles of attack. The experimental results and corresponding graphs demonstrated strong agreement with existing literature, validating the methodology. The research was conducted as part of a bachelor's thesis at Sharda University and contributed to a deeper understanding of airfoil aerodynamics in controlled environments.
Thermofluids
Hydrogen-based Solid-State Cooling
On-going project
Elastocaloric Cooling
On-going project
Waste Heat Recovery
On-going project
Passive Air Cooling
This project explored solar thermal radiation-driven cooling as a sustainable approach to space cooling, minimizing reliance on conventional energy-intensive systems. The design utilized buoyant air and natural wind convection to enhance heat transfer and ventilation, enabling passive cooling without mechanical components. By leveraging thermal gradients and airflow dynamics, the system facilitated continuous convective heat dissipation, effectively maintaining lower indoor temperatures. This innovation offers a cost-effective and energy-efficient cooling solution, particularly suited for hot and arid climates, contributing to sustainable building design and reduced energy consumption. The research was conducted at the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Research Center (RSERC), Technology Innovation Institute (TII), advancing the development of passive cooling technologies for energy-efficient infrastructure.
Fluid Dynamics
Hydropanels Design and Development
On-going project
Ceramic Membranes for Water Treatment
On-going project
Atmospheric Fog Harvesting
On-going project
Metamaterials
4D-Printed Biomimetic Morphing Hydrogel
This project developed 4D-printed shape-morphing hydrogel composites to enhance solar-driven water purification by improving efficiency and reducing thermal losses. Conventional solar vaporization methods face challenges such as high energy consumption, thermal dissipation, and insufficient solar absorption, limiting water yield. Inspired by plant architectures, the research proposed hydrogel composites comprising functionalized graphene/borophene flakes, date palm/Ghaf tree cellulose, oxygen inhibitors, clay, and monomers, designed to respond dynamically to humidity, light, and pressure. These materials improve latent heat recovery, minimize thermal losses, and extend shelf life, making them highly effective for sustainable water purification. The technology also shows promise for applications in enhanced oil recovery (EOR), soft robotics, and tissue morphing, opening new avenues for biomimetic material research. The project was conducted at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) and received dedicated two-year funding of USD 100,000 under the UPAR grant, reinforcing its scientific and commercial significance.
Hybrid Solvents and Fabrics for Antimicrobial Application
This project developed a novel hybrid non-alcoholic solvent solution and fabric for antimicrobial applications, providing a non-toxic, biodegradable, and economical alternative to conventional disinfectants. The formulation effectively inhibits and eliminates microbial pathogens, incorporating natural extracts from curcumin, Syzygium aromaticum, Azadirachta indica, Trachyspermum Ammi, Cinnamomum Camphora, Cinnamomum Verum, and Elettaria Cardamomum to enhance efficacy and sustainability. The innovation has potential applications in medical, textile, and sanitation industries, contributing to the development of safer antimicrobial technologies. The research was conducted at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) as part of an innovation competition organized by the UAEU Science and Innovation Park. A US patent application was filed and published, highlighting the commercial potential of this technology.
Biodegradable Date Palm Straws
This project developed biodegradable drinking straws from date palm leaves as a sustainable alternative to plastic straws. The process involved cleaning, treating, rolling, and binding the palm leaves using biodegradable food-grade adhesives to ensure durability and environmental friendliness. Optimizing the heating and drying conditions allowed the straws to maintain structural integrity while remaining fully biodegradable. The innovation repurposes agricultural waste into an eco-friendly product, contributing to global sustainability efforts. The research was conducted at United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) as part of an innovation competition organized by the UAEU Science and Innovation Park. A US patent was granted, reinforcing the potential for commercial adoption in the fight against plastic pollution.
Solar Energy
Solar Reactor
On-going project
Solar Thermal Syphon Pump
This project developed a solar thermal energy-driven pump for lifting groundwater for irrigation and urban water supply, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional electric and diesel-powered pumps. By utilizing solar thermal energy to generate pressure above the liquid surface, the system enables water pumping without any moving parts, making it nearly maintenance-free and significantly improving reliability. The estimated thermal efficiency is four times that of photovoltaic-based pumping systems, highlighting its potential for large-scale implementation. This innovation could save over 93 billion kWh of electrical energy and 3.3 billion liters of diesel annually in India, contributing to energy conservation and carbon footprint reduction. The research was conducted during undergraduate studies at Sharda University, and the findings were presented at a conference. A patent was granted for this invention, reinforcing its viability for real-world applications.
Combustion & Propulsion
Functionally-graded Rocket Fuels
This project developed advanced hybrid rocket fuels with tunable thermomechanical and ballistic properties to improve the performance of hybrid rocket propulsion systems. Traditional hybrid rockets using HTPB faced limitations in regression rates, while paraffin-based fuels, despite offering higher regression, struggled with reduced combustion efficiency due to melt flow effects. The research introduced Paraffin Wax-HTPB blends doped with metal hydrides (MgH₂ and LiAlH₄) to optimize fuel performance. Significant improvements were observed in fuel regression and structural resilience, with LiAlH₄-doped fuels exhibiting superior stability under thermal and inertial loads. The study was conducted as part of a Master's thesis at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, and Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany. The findings were published in two high-impact journal papers and presented at a conference, contributing to advancements in hybrid rocket propulsion technology.
