V Kumaran

Professor

Phone: 080 2293 3112
Email: kumaran at iisc.ac.in

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Education

Ph.D., Chemical Engineering, Cornell University (1991)

B.Tech., Chemical Engineering, IIT Madras (1987)

Courses

CH 203 Transport Processes

CH 232 Physics of Fluids

Research

In the broad areas of complex fluids and complex flows, our research interests range from molecular studies to macroscopic applications such as microfluidic devices and fuel cells. We employ rigorous theoretical analysis (theorems in non-equilibrium statistical mechanics, kinetic theory, and hydrodynamic stability), complex simulations (rarefied gas flows, lamellar mesophase simulations from molecular to continuum scales, and large scale turbulent particle-gas simulations) and sophisticated experiments (microfluidics, and nano-engineering of catalyst layers) to uncover fundamental phenomena and to demonstrate their potential impact on applications in microreactors, hypersonic transport and energy conversion systems.

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Research themes

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Complex Fluids and Transport Processes

Despite their ubiquity, understanding of the flow and deformation of complex materials is far from satisfactory, as their mechanics and statistics at the microscale are complex and not well understood.

Nanotechnology

The interdisciplinary field of nanotechnology in the department spans from simulations and molecular dynamics to the engineering of nanomaterials, focusing on applications like semiconductor electronics, energy solutions, and biological diagnostics, emphasizing high-throughput synthesis and self-assembly of nanoscale architectures.

Thermodynamics, Statistical Mechanics and Molecular Simulations

We study a wide variety of phenomenon using classical molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations and statistical thermodyamics, which require a knowledge of the forces between the various molecules. This approach provides a molecular understanding of adsorption and separations processes, catalysis, energy storage for transportation, novel drug synthesis protocols, nanoparticle engineering, biomembrane function and transport in complex fluids.

Latest Research

Dynamics of Fluid Flow in Soft-Walled Conduits

The instability and transition to turbulence in flows through compliant-walled conduits reveals unique destabilization mechanisms compared to rigid-walled channels, with significant implications for engineering and physiological applications.

Research Interests

Flows past flexible surfaces
Statistical mechanics of granular flows
Turbulent gas-particle suspensions
Multiscale modeling of liquid crystalline phases
Engineering nanoscale architectures for fuel cells
Dynamics of rarefied gas flows

Awards & Honors

  • Infosys Prize (2016)
  • Fellow, American Physical Society (2015)
  • TWAS Prize for Engineering Sciences (2015)
  • APS-IUSSTF Chair Professor (2014)
  • Prof. Rustum Choksi award for excellence in research for engineering (2012)
  • JC Bose National Fellowship (2007)
  • Fellow, Indian National Academy of Engineering (2006)
  • Swarnajayanti Fellowship, Government of India (2002)
  • Fellow, Indian National Science Academy (2001)
  • Bhatnagar Award, Government of India (2000)
  • Amar Dye-Chem Award, Indian Institute of Chemical Engineers (1999)
  • Fellow, Indian Academy of Sciences (1998)
  • Indian National Academy of Engineering Young Engineer Award (1997)
  • Indian National Science Academy Young Scientist Medal (1996)
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