Vijay Gopal

Dr. Vijay Gopal is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at The University of Texas at Arlington. He holds a B.E. in Telecommunication Engineering from BMS College of Engineering, and M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Aerospace Engineering from UTA. His research focuses on hypersonic aerothermodynamics, laser-based diagnostics, and plasma dynamics in supersonic flows. He has conducted extensive work in arc-jet wind tunnel testing and flow characterization techniques.

Education:

• PhD in Aerospace Engineering, The University of Texas at Arlington (2020)
• MSc in Aerospace Engineering, The University of Texas at Arlington (2015)
• B.E. in Telecommunication Engineering, Visvesvaraya Technological University (2012)

Research Interests:

• Hypersonic Aerothermodynamics
• Laser-Based Diagnostics (FLEET, Fs-TALIF)
• Plasma Discharge in Supersonic Flows
• Supersonic Vortex Dynamics
• Flow Mixing and Shock Wave Interactions

His publications emphasize advanced diagnostics for hypersonic flows and scramjet propulsion systems. Recent work includes studies on filtered Rayleigh scattering (FRS) and FLEET velocimetry in arc-jet environments. Awards include the Kalpana Chawla Endowed Scholarship and an ONR fellowship.

Teaching includes laboratory courses in aerodynamics and fluids, as well as graduate research supervision. He is a member of AIAA since 2019 and has presented at venues like the Princeton Collaborative Low Temperature Plasma Research Facility.