Vinoth Kumar Arumugam
Loughborough,Leicestershire
Summary
Aerothermal Engineer with a PhD from ETH Zurich and 5+ years of expertise in turbine aerothermal systems, CFD modeling, gas dynamics, and combustion design applying for Aerothermal Engineer position (UR631210) at Rolls-Royce, Derby. Proven expertise in optimizing turbine combustors for hybrid power systems (SOFC/MGT), reducing emissions through advanced CFD and experimental validation. Skilled in 1D-3D computational tools (ANSYS Fluent, Chemkin), thermal modeling, and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Published in Combustion and Flame and Proc. Combust. Inst., with a focus on turbine-relevant aerothermal challenges. Seeking to leverage expertise in fluid mechanics and thermodynamics to enhance Rolls-Royce’s turbine aerothermal capabilities.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
13
13
years of post-secondary education
Work history
Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering
Paul Scherrer Institute / ETH Zurich
Zurich, Switzerland
2020.12 - 2024.12
- Developed high-pressure catalytic channel-flow combustor for hybrid energy system using combined numerical and experimental methods, funded by the European Union's NextMGT project.
- Developed and implemented a workflow to perform steady-state reactive flow simulations for laminar premixed syngas–air combustion using in-house CFD code with detailed chemical kinetics mechanisms.
- Designed and executed TRL-3 level high-pressure experimental test campaigns to support validation of CFD models.
- Conducted advanced optical diagnostics, including multi-species concentration profiling using Raman scattering and OH-PLIF, along with extractive emission measurements in accordance with the power generation emission standards.
- Optimized combustor design to reduce CO emissions below 5 ppmv and unburned hydrogen below 21 ppmv, ensuring compliance with European Union emission norms.
- Disseminated findings through project reports and deliverables, presenting results at major conferences and annual project meetings while collaborating with a team of 14 researchers.
Intern in Combustion Modeling
ENEA Casaccia Research Centre
Rome, Italy
2024.01 - 2024.03
- Developed reactor networks in ANSYS Chemkin to simulate combustor performance of an AGATUR power plant incorporating exhaust gas recirculation at the ENEA Research Centre.
- Accurately predicted NOx performance of a non-premixed methane–hydrogen combustor using reactor networks, achieving results within 10% of experimental data.
- Optimized exhaust gas recirculation levels and combustor residence time to achieve a 45% reduction in NOx emissions at the highest hydrogen blend.
- Communicated technical results to internal stakeholders through project meetings and detailed reports, collaborating closely with a team of researchers.
Aerothermal Engineer
Aerostrovilos Energy Pvt Ltd
Chennai
2019.08 - 2020.11
- Designed and executed TRL-2 and TRL-3 aerothermal test campaigns of a lean direct injection combustor on fuel-flexible atmospheric and pressurized test rigs.
- Characterized combustor performance using LPG, methane, and kerosene to demonstrate multi-fuel capability, including emissions and temperature uniformity measurements.
- Successfully integrated and tested the combustor on a 5 kWₑₗ micro gas turbine prototype, contributing to securing $52K in seed funding.
- Collaborated with design and simulation teams to optimize the combustor for integration and performance within the micro gas turbine system.
- Prepared comprehensive technical documentation, including semi-annual and annual reports for stakeholders, ensuring transparent and effective project communication.
Project Engineer
IIT Madras
Chennai
2013.01 - 2015.04
- Designed and conducted atmospheric test campaigns on lean stability limits in a swirl-premixed methane-air combustor, using optical diagnostics (high speed stereoscopic PIV and chemiluminescence).
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Mechanical Engineering
ETH Zurich
Switzerland 2021.02 - 2024.11
Master of Science (MS) - Aerospace Engineering
IIT Madras
India 2015.05 - 2020.07
Bachelor of Engineering (BE) - Aeronautical Sciences
Anna University
India 2007.06 - 2011.04
Skills
- Siemens STAR CCM
- Siemens NX CAD
- CFD - RANS and LES
- Flamelet Generated Manifold
- Detailed chemical kinetics
- Combustion & Aerothermal Expert
- Experimental Combustion
- Emission standards
- Thermodynamics & Heat Transfer
- ANSYS Chemkin
- MATLAB
- NI DAQ & Labview
- TRL 1-3 levels
- Stereoscopic PIV
- Raman/PLIF
- Technical Documentation & Presentation
- Cross-functional Collaboration
- Excellent Communication
Languages
English C2
Fluent
German A1
Beginner
UK Visa Status
- Global talent visa endorsed by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)
- No visa sponsorship required
Awards & memberships
- Marie Curie Doctoral Fellowship under EU Horizon 2020 Initiative
- Member of Rolls Royce UTC
Professional Development
Actively pursuing Chartered Engineer status (Institution of Mechanical Engineers).
Key Projects
EU funded Hestia Project -2025 to 2026
EU funded NEXTMGT Project -2020 to 2024
Timeline
Intern in Combustion Modeling
ENEA Casaccia Research Centre
2024.01 - 2024.03
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - Mechanical Engineering
ETH Zurich
2021.02 - 2024.11
Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering
Paul Scherrer Institute / ETH Zurich
2020.12 - 2024.12
Aerothermal Engineer
Aerostrovilos Energy Pvt Ltd
2019.08 - 2020.11
Master of Science (MS) - Aerospace Engineering
IIT Madras
2015.05 - 2020.07
Project Engineer
IIT Madras
2013.01 - 2015.04
Bachelor of Engineering (BE) - Aeronautical Sciences
Anna University
2007.06 - 2011.04