Chaitanya Kumar Rao

Dr. Chaitanya Kumar Rao serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. His research focuses at the intersection of fluid dynamics, combustion science, and laser physics, with particular emphasis on droplet and bubble phenomena.

His research interests include liquid atomization, evaporation and combustion, laser-fluid interaction, evaporation and combustion of fuel droplets, laser-induced evaporation and atomization of droplets, pulse laser-induced atomization of droplets, and femtosecond laser-induced bubble dynamics. His work bridges fundamental fluid mechanics with practical applications in propulsion and energy systems.

Dr. Rao's recent publications demonstrate a consistent research trajectory in laser-induced droplet and bubble dynamics, with a focus on femtosecond laser applications. His work spans experimental fluid dynamics, combustion science, and laser-matter interactions, contributing significantly to the understanding of multiphase flow phenomena under extreme conditions.

His professional journey includes postdoctoral positions at the Department of Physics, University of Gothenburg, Sweden (March 2021-July 2022) and the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science Bangalore, India (August 2018-March 2021).

Dr. Rao's educational background includes a PhD in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Kharagpur (2018), an ME in Rocket Propulsion from BIT Mesra (2014), and a BTech in Aeronautical Engineering from the Institute of Aeronautical Engineering (2012).