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Education

Hindustan Institute of Technology and Science, Chennai, India

BTech in Aerospace Engineering

​Coursework: Advanced Propulsion, Orbital Mechanics, Thermodynamics and Aerodynamics

The White School, Kadalundi, India

Higher Secondary (CBSE Board)

Coursework: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics and Biology

Amrita Vidyalayam, Tanur, India

Higher School (CBSE Board)

Coursework: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology and Social Studies

Experience 

Intern - Engineering & Project Department

Kun Aerospace Pvt. Ltd.

I structured and maintained authorized technical documentation and Configuration Baseline Matrices (CBM), supported production workflows in compliance with AS9100 and ISO standards, and contributed to Process Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (PFMEA) and control plans. I also participated in operating CNC machinery and precision tools for aerospace manufacturing, collaborated with cross-functional engineering teams, and performed CAD modeling, tolerance analysis, and manufacturability optimization using SolidWorks.

Intern 

Vayusastra Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., IIT Madras Research Park

I developed and tested satellite subsystems by working with sensors, microcontrollers, and embedded hardware for real-time applications, and programmed electronic systems using Arduino software. My work included precision soldering and the use of 3D printing to fabricate, prototype, and optimize satellite structures. Additionally, I applied advanced astrodynamics principles, including orbital mechanics, perturbation analysis, and launch dynamics.

Projects 

Advanced Modeling of Helicon-Based Plasma Thrusters (HDLT )

Tools Used: COMSOL Multiphysics, SolidWorks, Visual Studio

In this work, I conduct a detailed multiphysics simulation of a Helicon Double Layer Thruster using COMSOL Multiphysics, focusing on plasma dynamics, RF power coupling, and ion acceleration. The simulation reveals a peak electron density of 9.2×1014 m−3 near the RF antenna, with clear evidence of plasma expansion downstream. I observe a maximum electron temperature of 12.6 eV, which decreases along the axial direction, consistent with expected energy dissipation. A 32 V electrostatic potential drop across the double layer supports its role in ion acceleration. Ion velocity increases from 3.2×10^3 m/s near the source to over 1.1×10^4 m/s at the exhaust, indicating effective momentum transfer. The magnetic field strength falls from 0.05 T to 0.01 T, successfully containing the plasma with no signs of detachment.

Particle Size Distribution via MATLAB Image Processing for Swirl Injector

Tools Used: MATLAB, SolidWorks, ANSYS Workbench

I applied advanced image processing techniques and fluid modeling to optimize the design of gas-centered swirl injectors, aiming to enhance their performance and efficiency. As part of this effort, I developed a MATLAB-based method to accurately determine particle size distribution from high-speed flow visualization data, enabling a more precise characterization of spray dynamics. Using SolidWorks for geometric modeling and ANSYS Workbench for computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis, I iteratively refined the injector design based on simulation insights. To assess the accuracy of my aerodynamic predictions, I compared the simulation results with wind tunnel data, achieving an 80% correlation, which validated the robustness of my approach. The integrated use of MATLAB, SolidWorks, and ANSYS allowed for a comprehensive design and validation workflow.

Design and Analysis of Surface-to-Air Missile

Tools Used: SolidWorks, ANSYS Workbench

I optimized the aerodynamics, propulsion, and control systems of a high-speed missile platform, focusing on enhancing performance and stability. Using CFD and FEA simulations, I refined the aerodynamic profile and assessed structural integrity under high-speed conditions. I also designed and iteratively improved wing and fin geometries to minimize drag and enhance overall flight stability, contributing to a more efficient and robust missile configuration.

Certification

GE Aerospace Explore Engineering virtual experience program

Forage, 2025

I completed a job simulation with a hypothetical aerospace team at GE, where I advised on alternative energy sources for propulsion systems by analyzing cost, energy density, storage requirements, and design impacts. I conducted in-depth research on bypass and compression ratios, examining their effects on turbofan engine design—including fan diameter, noise, installation, materials, and emissions—and delivered a technical presentation that outlined key design trade-offs to support decisions for next-generation propulsion systems.

Engineering: environmental fluids, OpenLearn

The Open University, 2024

As part of earning this certificate, I explored how fluid properties vary in the Earth's atmosphere from ground level to space, deepening my understanding of atmospheric behavior. I studied the formation of wind, waves, and tides, and their significance in engineering contexts. I learned to calculate key factors such as wind and wave speed, displacement amplitude, and acceleration, and examined how these influence the design of structures that interact with the ocean and sea, such as offshore platforms and coastal infrastructure.

Competitions & workshop

NASA space apps challenge 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration, 2024

Web app for Seismic Detection Across Lunar and Martian Surfaces

Gen ai exchange hackathon 

Google, 2024

Genie, Generative Online E-Learning Platform

Conscientia hackathon

Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, 2024

RC plane & Glider

© 2025 by Shahana P
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