Research opportunities in Aerospace Engineering at IITs

• January 13, 2022
• By Editor
• Academic

Aerospace engineering is the primary field of engineering concerned with the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems and equipment. Aerospace engineering was once known just as “aeronautical” but was later replaced with “aerospace” as flight technology advanced to include vehicles operating in outer space. The aerospace industry has a lot of potentials. Modern India has a strong focus on science and technology, realizing that it is a key element for economic growth. India is among the top countries in the world in the field of scientific research, positioned as one of the top five nations in space exploration.

Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) are known nationally and internationally for excellence in technical education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and research.IIT research output is diverse and interdisciplinary that crosses traditional boundaries. They create endless opportunities for students, innovators, teachers, researchers, and many more. With their rich legacy and global branding, IITs are the best place to pursue research in aerospace engineering.

Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kanpur

The Aerospace Engineering department at IIT Kanpur was established in 1964. The Department came as a decision taken by (late Prof.) Dhawan Committee predicted the need for a large number of Aeronautical Engineers to meet the national needs. The Department of Aerospace Engineering offers a comprehensive program of teaching and research at undergraduate and postgraduate levels leading to B.Tech, Dual Degree, M.Tech, and Ph.D. degrees. The department specializes in aerodynamics, flight mechanics, propulsion, and aerospace structures. It has a unique flight laboratory with four powered aircraft, four gliders, and a 1000 m runway. All other academic institutions in the country make use of this facility. The Gliding and Soaring center attached to the department has significantly contributed to aviation awareness amongst the young through its glider pilot training program.

Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Bombay

Established in 1966-67 as the Department of Aeronautical Engineering, the department has renamed the Department of Aerospace Engineering in 1992. The department runs strong undergraduate and graduate programs in aerospace engineering and carries out research in several areas of aeronautical and aerospace sciences. The broad objectives of the Department are: to provide the best possible educational facilities for training bright students for the careers in Aerospace Engineering; Creativity and research development technology linked with economic growth and well-being of the country; To provide a creative atmosphere in which higher studies and research thrive both amongst the students and the faculty. Broad research areas of the Department are Aerodynamics, Dynamics, Controls, Propulsion, and Structures.

Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Madras

The Department of Aerospace Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras was established in 1969. Since then, it has been at the forefront of fundamental and applied research & development with scientific and social impact. Continued interaction with R&D agencies of international repute in aerospace engineering has led to mutually beneficial research activities. One of the major contributions to society has been training manpower via graduate research programs (Ph.D. and Master of Science by research) and course-based programs (MTech, Dual Degree, and BTech). Various alumni from this Department have been at the forefront of research organizations in the country and elsewhere. Broad research areas of the Department include Aerodynamics & Flight Mechanics, Aerospace Propulsion, and Aerospace Structures. The Department offers a vibrant academic atmosphere that enables independent research and the free exchange of ideas.

Department of Aerospace Engineering, IIT Kharagpur

The department came into existence in 1965 as the Department of Aeronautical Engineering and was renamed the Department of Aerospace Engineering in 1988. Since its inception, the department is engaged in imparting education in various aspects of aircraft and space technology. It offers BTech, Dual Degree, MTech, MS, and Ph.D. programs in Aerospace Engineering. The Department has well-equipped laboratories in the areas of Aerodynamics, Structures, Propulsion, System and Control, Intelligent Systems, Aeromodelling, Computational Fluid Dynamics, and Computational Structure Mechanics. The department also has excellent computational laboratories equipped with high-performance computational facilities. It also offers adequate facilities to the students to design-build and flies remotely controlled/auto-controlled model aircraft, including UAVs and MAVs.

Additionally, most of the IITs offer research programs in aerospace engineering in Applied Mechanics, Civil, and Mechanical Engineering Departments.