Gaurav Sharma
Dr. Gaurav Sharma is an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering at Kennesaw State University (KSU). His prior professional experience includes roles as an Instructor and Postdoctoral Scholar within the Aerospace Engineering department at Auburn University. During his time at Auburn, he was actively engaged in research at the Advanced Propulsion Research Laboratory (APRL), where he focused on the intricate workings of bidirectional vortex engines using high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics. These specialized liquid rocket engines were developed by Sierra Space Corporation (SSC). Dr. Sharma's contributions played a vital role in enhancing the understanding of crucial operational thresholds, which are pivotal for advancing this proprietary engine technology. His scholarly achievements are underscored by a publication record of over 15 articles in esteemed journals, in addition to presentations at numerous international conferences. Particularly, Gaurav was honored as a Woltosz Fellow at Auburn University in 2016 due to his exceptional academic performance and research potential.
Dr. Sharma's academic journey encompasses the attainment of a Ph.D. and M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from Auburn University. His pursuit of academic excellence was marked by the receipt of the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) Scholarship in 2011, awarded by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). This scholarship facilitated his pursuit of an M.E. in Space Engineering and Rocketry, specializing in Rocket Propulsion, at Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, India. Additionally, he holds a B.Tech. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, India.
Gaurav's contributions to the field of aerospace engineering and fluid dynamics extends beyond his research endeavors. He made significant contributions to the 4th Edition of McGraw-Hill's Viscous Fluid Flow textbook authored by Frank White and Joseph Majdalani. Before joining Auburn University, he held the role of Assistant Professor in the Department of Aeronautical Engineering at Manav Rachna International University (MRIU) in India. Gaurav's diverse experience also includes a stint as a Research Scholar at Cranfield University, UK, where he conducted pioneering research where he conducted pioneering research on upgrading bio-oil to conventional fuels. This work involved intricate computations on an ebullated bed reactor, focusing on three-phase flows.
Gaurav's research interests span a wide spectrum of topics, including advanced propulsion, high-fidelity computational fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, vortex flow and vortex dynamics, multiphase flows, and fluid-structure interaction. Gaurav received the 2022 AIAA Greater Huntsville Section Graduate Student of the Year Award in the states of Alabama and Mississippi for his academic achievements and contributions to the field of aerospace engineering.
