The Department of Mechanical Engineering hosted a Guest talk on “Understanding Microphysics of Raindrops for Accurate Rainfall Forecasting”. The session was presented by Prof. Kirti Chandra Sahu, distinguished Professor of the Department of Chemical Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Hyderabad, India. His research focuses on clouds and raindrops dynamics, interfacial fluid flows, and hydrodynamic instabilities.
During the session Prof. Kirti Chandra Sahu emphasised the significance of understanding the microphysics of raindrops for accurate rainfall forecasting, highlighting the role of droplet formation, coalescence, and raindrop breakup under atmospheric conditions. He highlighted how progress in fluid dynamics, when integrated with computational modelling, can significantly strengthen weather prediction capabilities and contribute to climate-resilient strategies through interdisciplinary research. The event highlighted the role of fluid instabilities, surface tension effects, and computational modelling in understanding atmospheric microphysics. The session was highly interactive and informative, bridging the gap between theoretical fluid mechanics and real-world applications in weather forecasting.
The event was successfully led by a team of faculty members Dr Surfarazhussain S Halkarni, Dr Chandan Kumar, and Dr Manjesh Kumar, who played key roles in coordination, technical facilitation, and audience engagement. The talk concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where participants explored potential interdisciplinary collaborations and applications.
Prof. Kirti Chandra Sahu encouraged faculty members, research scholars, and students to explore this emerging domain, citing its growing relevance in tackling climate-related challenges. The event was a resounding success, fostering academic curiosity and encouraging further research.
About the Speaker :
Prof. Kirti Chandra Sahu received several prestigious recognitions, including the Young Scientist Awards from the Indian National Science Academy and the National Academy of Sciences, and the VASVIK Award.
He is a Fellow of the Indian Academy of Sciences and the Institute of Physics (UK). Prof. Sahu also serves as an Associate Editor for Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research and is on the editorial board of Langmuir journal. He is currently a member of the External Affairs Committee of the American Physical Society’s Division of Fluid Dynamics (2024–2026).