Vishnu Asokakumar Sreekala
Vishnu's PhD research focuses on the investigation of magnetic heat shielding in weakly ionized and completely ionized plasma regimes.
Physics PhD Student
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences
Profile
I am a passionate aerospace researcher who has been lucky to work with multiple space agencies on exciting projects. My favorite part of engineering is solving problems from the very beginning, using core physics principles to find the answer. I specialized in the intense field of re-entry aerodynamics, which deals with how spacecraft survive the extreme heat of returning to Earth.
My research focuses on a fascinating idea: using magnetic fields to control the super-hot plasma that forms around a spacecraft during re-entry. This could be the key to creating a reusable heat shield. Instead of a shield that burns away, a magnetic field could protect a rocket or space capsule again and again, making space travel more sustainable.
When I'm not thinking about spacecraft, I love to be outdoors. You'll often find me hiking, trekking, or swimming. For me, the best way to have fun is to travel, exploring new places and experiencing different cultures. It's the perfect balance to my life in research.
Qualifications
Bachelor of Technology, Kerala university
Master of Technology, Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology
Research interests
Aerodynamics, MHD, hypersonics, numerical and experimental methods, engineering analysis.
PhD topic
Investigation of Magnetic Heat Shielding in Weakly Ionized and Completely Ionized Plasma Regimes
Supervisor
Dr Tulasi Parashar, School of Chemical and Physical Sciences