Ramanarayanan Balachandran

Professor Ramanarayanan Balachandran is Professor of Energy Technologies in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at University College London. His academic career spans over two decades with expertise in combustion science, alternative fuels, and energy technologies, focusing on experimental approaches to solve complex engineering challenges in propulsion and power generation.

His educational background includes:

• Doctor of Philosophy from University of Cambridge (2005)
• Master of Science from Indian Institute of Technology, Chennai (2003)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) from Madurai Kamaraj University (1998)

Professor Balachandran's research focuses on energy and combustion science with applications to propulsion and power generation systems. His work spans experimental combustion, multiphase flow dynamics, and alternative fuel technologies. He has made significant contributions to understanding hydrogen and ammonia combustion, thermoacoustic instabilities in gas turbine combustors, and pollutant formation mechanisms. His research employs advanced laser diagnostics to study complex combustion phenomena at high temporal and spatial resolution, with strong industry collaboration particularly with Siemens Energy.

His recent publication record (including works dated 2025) demonstrates a strong focus on hydrogen and ammonia combustion technologies, with particular emphasis on lean direct injection systems, combustion dynamics, and stability characteristics. The work spans fundamental research on flame structure and dynamics to applied studies addressing practical challenges in gas turbine combustors. His research team has made important contributions to understanding the transition to thermoacoustic instabilities and developing methods for their prediction and control.

Professor Balachandran has received numerous prestigious awards for his research contributions:

• Research Excellence Award (2020) from the Combustion Institute
• Distinguished Paper on Turbulent Flames (2015) from the Combustion Institute
• Sugden Award (2011) from the Combustion Institute British Section
• Most Cited Author Award (2008) from Combustion and Flame
• Instrumentation Award (2004) from Scientific Instrument Makers Company
• ASEM DUO-India Professorship Fellow (2020-2022)

As an educator, Professor Balachandran has taught key modules including Introduction to Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, Advanced Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics, and Thermal Power and the Environment. His research aligns with multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals including Affordable and Clean Energy, Climate Action, and Sustainable Cities and Communities, reflecting the societal relevance of his work on clean energy technologies.

Professor Balachandran leads an active research group at UCL equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for combustion diagnostics and alternative fuel testing, with strong international collaborations spanning the UK, Europe, and Asia.