January 16, 2023
By Ian Sargent

A new year brings a new semester and some new additions to the George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering’s faculty. Take some time to read about Suhas Jain’s research, interests, what he looks forward to at Georgia Tech, and more in this Q&A.
 

Welcome to Georgia Tech! Where are you joining us from?

I grew up in Bangalore, India, and I did my undergraduate studies in mechanical engineering at NITK-Surathkal (India). After graduating, I worked for a year as a researcher at the Institute of Fluid Dynamics, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf (Germany), and at the Indian Institute of Science, before starting my graduate studies. I received my master’s and Ph.D. in January 2022 from Stanford University in mechanical engineering. After graduation, I was a postdoctoral fellow at the Center for Turbulence Research, Stanford University, before joining Georgia Tech.
 

What’s your research focus and how did you first become interested in the field?

I work broadly on computational modeling for fluid flows (such as multiphase flows, turbulent flows, compressible flows, and flow-structure interaction). My current focus is on modeling atomization, sprays, and phase change for propulsion applications; ice accretion modeling and aerodynamics of rough surfaces for sustainable energy applications and aerospace design; air-sea interaction modeling for understanding climate change; and modeling of fluid-solid and solid-solid systems for biomedical and high-speed applications. Through the integration of numerical modeling, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence, I aim to address key challenges in these areas.

I first became interested in computational fluid dynamics during a summer internship in 2013 (after my junior year of my undergraduate studies) in the Chair of Fluid Process Engineering at the University of Paderborn (Germany). I worked with Professor Eugeny Kenig to develop numerical methods for simulating droplet breakup in chemical mixers.
 

What classes will you teach?

I’m currently teaching ME 3340 – Fluid Mechanics. I hope to teach and develop courses related to computational methods for fluids, and multiphase flows in the future.
 

What do you enjoy about working in academia?

I enjoy working with students and seeing them learn and grow to become the next generation of scientists and engineers. I also enjoy the freedom that academia gives both in research and other leadership and entrepreneurial activities.
 

Has anyone had a major influence on your career?

I've been fortunate to have several people serve as key influences on my career. One significant influence was my mentor, Professor Gaurav Tomar, during my stay at the Indian Institute of Science (2015-16). Their guidance not only made me think out of the box but also instilled in me a passion for research, which led me to pursue my graduate studies. The skills and insights on fluid mechanics, and multiphase flows in particular, that I gained during this period have been instrumental in shaping my interests so far. I'm also grateful for the mentorship from Professor Parviz Moin throughout my graduate and postdoctoral years at Stanford University (2016-22). I continue to draw inspiration from his energy, leadership skills, and passion for research on turbulence and its engineering applications.
 

What are you most looking forward to during your first year at Georgia Tech?

I’m looking forward to getting to know more about the research of other faculty members in, and outside, the Woodruff School at Georgia Tech, and potentially starting new collaborations.
 

What do you like to do for fun?

I enjoy painting. I used to paint a lot growing up, a hobby and skill that I acquired from my mother. Here is a collection of some of my paintings.

I also enjoy badminton, cycling, and traveling with my wife.