ABOUT
Ajit Rokade hails from Wangi No. 3, a small village in the Solapur district of Maharashtra, India. His fascination with aerospace and fluid dynamics began at a young age, inspired by air shows and the pioneering work of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. This early passion led him to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from Amity University Mumbai, where he built a strong foundation in aerodynamics, propulsion, and computational simulations. To further deepen his expertise, he completed his Master’s degree in Aerodynamic Engineering from Jain University Bangalore, where his outstanding academic performance earned him the Academic Top Performer award.
Ajit’s research interests lie in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), turbulence modeling, and aerodynamic optimization, particularly in understanding complex flow phenomena. His professional journey reflects his commitment to applying these principles in both academic and industrial settings. As a Project Research Associate at IIT Bombay, he worked on data-driven reduced-order modeling (ROM) for missile aerodynamics and store separation analysis, implementing advanced numerical techniques such as Proper Orthogonal Decomposition (POD) and Singular Value Decomposition (SVD). Before this, during his tenure at the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) DRDO, he conducted an extensive CFD investigation on wing transition predictions, focusing on turbulence modeling and aerodynamic efficiency.
Ajit later transitioned to industry, working as an Aerodynamics and CFD Engineer at VTOL Aviation India Pvt. Ltd., where he contributed to UAV conceptual design, aerodynamics optimization, and detailed CFD analysis. Before joining the AUFRANDE program, he worked as a CFD Analyst at Whirlpool, applying his expertise in thermal management and flow simulations, expanding his experience beyond aerospace applications.
Now, Ajit is pursuing a PhD at École Centrale de Lyon and the University of Adelaide, focusing on modeling wall pressure fluctuation spectra beneath turbulent boundary layers subjected to pressure gradients. His research aims to improve turbulence modeling and enhance our understanding of unsteady pressure loads, with applications in aerospace, automotive, and marine industries. By investigating the wavenumber-frequency behavior of pressure fluctuations, he hopes to bridge the gap between theoretical models and real-world flow conditions.
Beyond research, Ajit is passionate about continuous learning and personal development. He enjoys dancing, reading, and practicing yoga, which help him maintain a balanced and creative mindset. His long-term goal is to contribute to cutting-edge advancements in fluid dynamics and aeroacoustics, driving innovation in both academia and industry.
Research project
Interests
Outside of his research, Ajit has a diverse range of interests that keep him creative and balanced. He has a deep passion for dancing, having undergone professional training, though his interest has recently shifted. Yoga plays a significant role in his routine, helping him stay focused and energized. He also enjoys reading, particularly books that broaden his perspective, and sketching, which serves as a creative outlet. Additionally, he has a strong interest in fashion and enjoys exploring different styles and trends. An interesting fact about him is that despite his technical background, he has always been drawn to artistic expression and strives to blend both worlds whenever possible.