Natural Flows Laboratory

Curious by and about ‘nature’, I am passionate about understanding natural flows that are simple but elegant, yet often mysteriously challenging! Using simple mechanical models, I primarily explore these flows through experiments, complemented by a blend of theory and numerical simulations. With a broad interest in Fluid Mechanics, my research spans problems in biofluid dynamics, with a special focus on swimming, hovering, flying, flapping-foil propulsion, and the mysteries underlying fish-schooling patterns. I am also interested in the entrainment dynamics of cloud-like and turbulent flows.

At IIT Kanpur, my research group, the “Natural Flows Laboratory” (NatFlows Lab), explores the inherently coupled and intricate interactions between fluids and flexible surfaces through experiments and simulations. Our broader goal is to gain insights into how flexibility—ubiquitously present in the wings and fins of swimming and flying animals—shapes fluid–structure interactions, and how animals exploit this flexibility during cruising, hovering, maneuvering, schooling, and flocking.

At the heart of our work lies a simple question:

How does nature exploit the interaction between fluids and flexible surfaces to achieve remarkable efficiency, stability, and maneuverability?

By studying these interactions using simple physical models, we seek to uncover the underlying principles that govern natural flows and translate them into design strategies for human-made aerial and aquatic systems, including MAVs and AUVs.

Welcome to the Natural Flows Lab @ IIT Kanpur

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