Akhil S Pillai
Aerospace Engineering Student
Email:
Address:
Sri Vijaya Puram, South Andaman
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
A Bit About Me
I am an Aerospace Engineer and Project Associate at IIT Madras, passionate about solving complex problems in aerodynamics, turbulence, and multiphase flows.
My current work focuses on 3D turbulent multiphase flow simulations—specifically, modeling air–water flow over bluff bodies. This research is an early step toward understanding how turbulent flows behave in challenging rain–air environments, which is important for improving safety and performance in advanced aerospace systems.
I bring a strong foundation in fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, and computational simulations, combined with hands-on expertise in tools such as ANSYS, SolidWorks, and CatiaV5. My academic background (B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, 2025) included advanced coursework in Boundary Layer Theory and projects that strengthened my ability to connect theory with application.
What drives me is curiosity—whether it’s exploring shockwave phenomena, supersonic and hypersonic vehicle design, sonic boom mitigation, or integrating AI into aerodynamics, I thrive at the intersection of research and innovation.
I see myself not just as an engineer, but as a collaborator—someone who can translate complex computational insights into practical aerospace applications. My goal is to contribute to research that shapes the future of flight and space, while continuously learning from and working with experts in the field.
If you’re interested in aerodynamics, CFD, or aerospace innovation, I’d love to connect and exchange ideas.
Education
2021 - 2025
B-Tech Aerospace Engineering
Karunya deemed to be University
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu
The Aerospace Engineering course at Karunya University covers aerodynamics, propulsion, structural analysis, and avionics. It offers practical experience through labs, projects, and internships. The program emphasizes innovation and hands-on learning, preparing students for aerospace careers or advanced studies.
2021
CBSE 12th
Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya
Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Isands
The 12th-grade science program covers Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology, offering a comprehensive education. It prepares students for competitive exams and higher education in science and engineering.
2019
CBSE 10th
Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya
Port Blair, Andaman and Nicobar Isands
The 10th-grade curriculum provides a well-rounded education in core subjects like Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and English. It prepares students for higher secondary education and foundational knowledge for future academic pursuits.
Work Experience
Project Associate
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
14th July 2025 - Current
Summer Fellowship Program
Indian Institute of Technology, Madras
20th May 2024 - 20th July 2024
Internship Trainee
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Bangalore
01st June 2023 - 28th June 2023
During my current research tenure at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IITM), I am working on high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations focused on unsteady compressible flows and vortex-dominated regimes. The primary objective of my work is to improve numerical stability, scalability, and computational performance of large-scale simulations on high-performance computing (HPC) systems.
Through this ongoing work, I have developed advanced expertise in parallel computing using MPI-based multi-GPU architectures. I am actively involved in optimizing solver performance, tuning domain decomposition strategies, and analyzing scalability across GPU clusters (including A100 and H100 nodes). My research involves systematic benchmarking, convergence analysis, and performance profiling to ensure both numerical accuracy and computational efficiency.
I work extensively with Linux-based HPC environments, job schedulers, and GPU resource management. My tasks include configuring simulation parameters (pressure, temperature, velocity limits), implementing probe-based flow diagnostics for vortex shedding analysis, and validating results across Reynolds and Mach number regimes. I routinely monitor node utilization, manage multi-node runs, and evaluate strong and weak scaling characteristics.
The outcomes of this work contribute toward improving predictive capabilities in aerodynamic simulations while reducing computational cost on modern accelerator hardware. This research continues to expand my expertise in numerical methods, parallel computing, and advanced fluid dynamics modeling.
During the Summer Fellowship Program at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, from May to July 2024, I worked on a project focused on improving the accuracy, speed, and energy efficiency of aerodynamic calculations using machine learning (ML) techniques. This project aimed to compare ML methods with traditional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) approaches.
Through this experience, I developed a deep understanding of how ML can be applied to aerodynamic problems. I explored various neural network architectures, including Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINN), and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN).
I acquired foundational skills in data extraction, processing, and applying advanced algorithms for predictive modeling. I used tools such as PyTorch with CUDA acceleration and data libraries like NumPy and Pandas. My work involved parsing and normalizing raw data, defining and training CNN architectures to predict aerodynamic parameters, and optimizing the models.
The results of the project demonstrated that ML could significantly enhance computational efficiency and accuracy in aerodynamic predictions. For more details on the project, please visit the projects page.
As an Internship Trainee at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, during June 2023, I gained valuable insights into the production process of the LCA Tejas. This included understanding key aspects of component fabrication and material selection.
I acquired hands-on experience with the assembly procedures of the LCA Tejas, focusing on system integration and coordination. This practical exposure enhanced my knowledge in aerodynamics, structural design, and modern aircraft technologies used in the LCA Tejas.
Additionally, I learned about project management practices at HAL, including timelines, resource allocation, and quality standards. This experience helped me develop essential professional skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving in a real-world aerospace engineering environment.
Skills
01.
Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Simulations
02.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
03.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
04.
Problem-Solving
05.
Teamwork
Certifications
1 ANSYS
The university offers an add-on course that runs six hours a day for a week. This intensive program provides specialized training and knowledge beyond the regular curriculum.
2 CATIA V5
The university offers an add-on course that runs six hours a day for a week. This intensive program provides specialized training and knowledge beyond the regular curriculum.
4 Solidworks
The university offers an add-on course that runs six hours a day for a week. This intensive program provides specialized training and knowledge beyond the regular curriculum.
3 Technical English for Engineers
The NPTEL course "Technical English for Engineers" focuses on enhancing communication skills specific to engineering contexts. It covers technical writing, presentation techniques, and effective verbal communication. The course aims to improve the ability of engineers to articulate complex concepts clearly and professionally.
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