Achyuth Attravanam

I am a computational engineer, studying the feasibility of an unconventional blended-wing-body aircraft configuration with hydrogen fuel cell electric propulsion is considered.

My research goal is to answer the question if a surface-based heat exchanger can be used to dissipate the waste heat which is emitted from the fuel cell.

To date, there has been little research on surface-based heat exchangers for aircraft electric propulsion, and their use for unconventional aircraft configurations has not been investigated at all. This is a new and exciting topic as it deals with various aspects of flight physics, the interaction of different disciplines and optimization.

Electrification of aircraft using fuel cells provides a potentially sustainable way for carbon-free transportation. It is becoming the focus of current research.

Aviation research is highly interdisciplinary as various disciplines interact with each other. SE²A provides an environment where people from various specializations work collectively towards the future of aviation. This is very challenging but inspiring as we deal with future aircraft configurations and technologies.