About Me

Received Masters (2003) and Ph.D (2007) degrees in Ocean Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras, Bachelor degree in Civil Engineering from Madurai Kamarajar University, India.

Primary research interest is in the field of coastal engineering with special emphasis to numerical modelling of coastal process, wave transformation, harbour tranquillity, tidal hydrodynamics, wave-structure interaction, sediment transport, design of coastal structures and in-situ measurement of ocean parameters; waves, tides, currents, coastal-water-quality and sediment transport.

Carried out experimental studies to investigate the behaviour of innovative breakwater concepts that included statistical and spectral analysis of measured time histories of wave elevations, dynamic pressures and forces.

Developed theoretical models at various stages of educational career, pertaining largely to wave-structure interactions. Won the “Best Graduate Student Paper award” from American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), Ocean, Offshore and Arctic Engineering Division (OOAE) for part of master’s thesis work.

Investigated the response characteristics of scale modelled NDBC discus shaped data buoy. The buoy model was tested under variety of waves, including shallow water nonlinear waves, group waves and breaking waves. Group and breaking waves of different characteristics were simulated theoretically and the same is re-produced in a physical wave tank, successfully. Application of different analyzing techniques (wavelet transformation and phase-time method) for the detection of group and breaking waves and the effects of deploying data buoys in shallow waters are some of the significant research contributions. Part of Ph.D thesis research work won the “Maritime award” from Department of Shipping, Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Government of India.

In the early stage of career, involved in several numerical modelling studies, including wave tranquillity for fishing harbours, shoreline evolution, along with the field measurement of the shoreline changes, seabed characteristics.

Later with consulting industry, involved in the development of many local scale wave transformation modelling for Arabian Gulf (UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait), Mediterranean Sea (Tunis, Syria and Morocco) and Caspian Sea (Khazakistan). Also carried out several wave agitation and harbour tranquillity modelling studies using spectral and boussinesq types of numerical models. Developed a number of local scale finite-element based numerical tidal-hydrodynamic models (RMA and TELEMAC) for the projects in the Arabian Gulf. Also involved in the development of regional scale tidal-hydrodynamic models for Abu Dhabi and Bahrain and few local scale models that are project or location specific.

At IIT Bombay, developed a Wave flume (50x1x1m), capable of simulating; regular, irregular & wide range of nonlinear shallow water waves and procured several laboratory instruments (wave gauges, dynamic pressure sensors, ADV, LDV & non-contact motion measurement system) and a RCM for tides, currents, waves, turbidity, pressure and temp. measurements, Single-beam eco-sounder and several other equipment for field measurements. As an honour, received “R J Garde Research Award” for the year 2011-12 from Indian Society for Hydraulics (ISH).

Been part of MTech Ocean Engg program development, including design of curriculum and course contents. Organised several technical workshops/seminar/conferences/short-term courses for knowledge sharing and dissemination.

Continue to involve in attracting funds from various sponsoring agencies to nurture research activities and to motivate young engineers. Involving in several industrial projects, for specific solution, that require ocean/coastal engineering expertise.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

Doctor of Philosophy, Ph.D

Department of Ocean Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (2007), Chennai, India.

Master of Science (By Research), M.S

Department of Ocean Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Madras (2003), Chennai, India.

Bachelor of Engineering, B.E

Madurai Kamarajar University (1998), Tamil Nadu, India.

Professional Experience