Ritwik Maiti | Mechanical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ritwik Maiti | Mechanical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor at Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, India

Summary:

Dr. Ritwik Maiti is an accomplished researcher in the field of fluid dynamics and granular flow, with a particular emphasis on the behavior of granular materials in various contexts such as silos, open channels, and underground cavities. His work has contributed significantly to understanding the flow of granular media in natural and industrial processes. Dr. Maiti has held prestigious research positions at the National University of Singapore and the University of Sheffield, where he worked on projects ranging from wind-tunnel tests to flow modeling in porous media. He is currently contributing to the academic and research community at Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, where he continues his innovative research on granular flows and their interactions with fluid dynamics.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

Dr. Ritwik Maiti is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur (2011–2017), where his research focused on the dynamics of dense granular flows through silos, closed channels, and open channels. Dr. Maiti holds a Master of Engineering (M.E.) in Heat Power Engineering from Jadavpur University, Kolkata (2009–2011), and a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Mechanical Engineering from Kalyani Government Engineering College, West Bengal (2008).

🏢 Professional Experience:

Dr. Maiti has extensive research experience in both mechanical and civil engineering. From 2018 to 2021, he was a Research Fellow with the Fluid Mechanics Research Group at the National University of Singapore, where he worked on projects related to wind-tree interaction and the minimization of granular mixture segregation. Prior to this, he was a Research Associate at the University of Sheffield (2017–2018), where he focused on modeling flow through porous granular media as part of the Geotechnical Engineering Research Group. His professional expertise includes the design and development of experimental fluid flow facilities and the handling of advanced equipment such as high-speed cameras, particle image velocimetry, and particle analyzers.

Research Interests:

Dr. Maiti’s research interests lie at the intersection of fluid mechanics and granular flow. His areas of focus include:

  • Experimental Fluid Dynamics
  • Granular Flow Dynamics
  • Geophysical Flows and Avalanches
  • Granular Mixing and Segregation
  • Fluid-Structure Interaction
  • Impact Crater Analysis
  • Underground Cavity Collapse
  • Multiphase Flows
  • Discrete Element Model (DEM)
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and CFD-DEM Coupling

He is also skilled in high-speed photography, image processing, and the use of software such as Matlab, Autocad, and LIGGGHTS for simulation and analysis.

Author Metrics:

Dr. Maiti has published numerous articles in international journals and conferences, including:

  • 10 publications in top-tier journals such as Physics of Fluids, Powder Technology, and AIChE Journal.
  • Contributions to leading conferences such as the International Conference on Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Power and the International Conference on Multiphase Flow.
  • A book chapter published by Springer in 2017.
  • Several research papers currently under review in journals like Powder Technology and Ocean Engineering.

Dr. Maiti’s research on granular dynamics has garnered significant attention in his field, contributing valuable insights into both theoretical models and practical applications.

Top Noted Publication:

Experiments on Eccentric Granular Discharge from a Quasi-Two-Dimensional Silo

  • Authors: R. Maiti, G. Das, P.K. Das
  • Journal: Powder Technology
  • Volume: 301
  • Pages: 1054-1066
  • Year: 2016
  • Citations: 35
  • Summary: This study presents experimental investigations on granular discharge from a quasi-two-dimensional silo with an eccentric outlet. The paper discusses the flow behavior, discharge rates, and the formation of patterns in the granular material as it exits the silo. The experiments provide a detailed understanding of the flow field dynamics during eccentric discharge.

Granular Drainage from a Quasi-2D Rectangular Silo through Two Orifices Symmetrically and Asymmetrically Placed at the Bottom

  • Authors: R. Maiti, G. Das, P.K. Das
  • Journal: Physics of Fluids
  • Volume: 29 (10)
  • Year: 2017
  • Citations: 25
  • Summary: This research explores the granular flow through a rectangular silo with two bottom orifices, placed both symmetrically and asymmetrically. The work examines how different placement configurations of the orifices affect the flow and drainage dynamics of granular materials, contributing valuable insights into granular discharge mechanics.

Flow Field During Eccentric Discharge from Quasi-Two-Dimensional Silos—Extension of the Kinematic Model with Validation

  • Authors: R. Maiti, S. Meena, P.K. Das, G. Das
  • Journal: AIChE Journal
  • Volume: 62 (5)
  • Pages: 1439-1453
  • Year: 2016
  • Citations: 19
  • Summary: This paper extends a kinematic model to describe the flow field during eccentric discharge from a quasi-2D silo. The study provides experimental validation of the model and offers insights into the flow patterns and velocity fields of granular materials, expanding the understanding of discharge processes in industrial and natural granular systems.

Cracking of Tar by Steam Reforming and Hydrogenation: An Equilibrium Model Development

  • Authors: R. Maiti, S. Ghosh, S. De
  • Journal: Biomass Conversion and Biorefinery
  • Volume: 3
  • Pages: 103-111
  • Year: 2013
  • Citations: 6
  • Summary: This paper focuses on developing an equilibrium model for tar cracking using steam reforming and hydrogenation. The study addresses the challenges associated with tar removal in biomass gasification and proposes a model to predict the outcomes of chemical reactions involved in the process.

Self-Organization of Granular Flow by Basal Friction Variation: Natural Jump, Moving Bore, and Flying Avalanche

  • Authors: R. Maiti, G. Das, P.K. Das
  • Journal: AIChE Journal
  • Volume: 69 (1)
  • Article: e17943
  • Year: 2023
  • Citations: 2
  • Summary: This recent study investigates the self-organization phenomena in granular flows due to variations in basal friction. The paper describes natural jumps, moving bores, and flying avalanches in granular media, providing key insights into the mechanics of granular flow and segregation.

Conclusion:

Dr. Ritwik Maiti’s contributions to fluid dynamics and granular flow research, particularly in areas like silo flows and porous media, make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His published work demonstrates both depth and innovation in key fields of mechanical engineering, and his international experience enhances his profile. While expanding his research into more applied fields and taking on greater leadership roles could strengthen his application, his current contributions to science are exceptional, positioning him well for recognition in the field of mechanical engineering research.

 

Thomas Nikodelis | Biomechanics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Thomas Nikodelis | Biomechanics | Best Researcher Award

Thomas Nikodelis at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece

Summary:

Dr. Thomas Nikodelis is a prominent figure in the field of sports science and biomechanics, specializing in swimming and human movement analysis. With over two decades of experience in teaching, coaching, and research, he has made significant contributions to the understanding of swimming biomechanics and performance. His work has been widely recognized, earning him accolades from the Ministry of Education in Greece for his innovative approach to swimming education. Dr. Nikodelis is also an active member of the Hellenic Society of Biomechanics and has been involved in numerous funded research projects, including leading a 3D upper limb motion analysis project.

Professional Profile:

👩‍🎓Education:

Dr. Thomas Nikodelis earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education from the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (TEFAA) in 1997. He completed his Ph.D. in Human Performance and Health at the same institution in 2004, focusing on “Bilateral Coordination in Swimming Movements and its Relation to Performance and Movement Frequency.” He further advanced his research as a Postdoctoral Researcher under the EU project “Pythagoras II” from 2005 to 2007, studying visual feedback for balance training in the elderly. He is proficient in English (C2 level) and Italian (Palso).

🏢 Professional Experience:

Dr. Nikodelis has extensive experience in academia, research, and coaching. He began his teaching career as an Adjunct Professor at the Military School of Corps Officers from 2005 to 2007, teaching swimming. He later served as a Lecturer at TEFAA, Aristotle University, focusing on swimming teaching methods. Since 2017, he has been a Laboratory Instructor at the Biomechanics Laboratory, TEFAA, AUTH. Dr. Nikodelis has also been active in teaching seminars and delivering invited lectures, sharing his expertise on topics such as swimming techniques and biomechanics at various national conferences and sports seminars.

In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Nikodelis has an extensive coaching background, serving as a Swimming Coach at Pieria Academy (1993-1998) and Makedonikos (2000-2019). He currently directs Asteria Sports Club, where he continues to contribute to the development of swimming athletes.

Research Interests:

Dr. Nikodelis’s research interests are centered around biomechanics, with a particular focus on swimming and gait analysis. His work explores the biomechanics of swimming techniques, movement coordination, and the use of visual feedback in sports and rehabilitation settings. His research aims to enhance performance and training methods in sports, particularly swimming, and contribute to rehabilitation practices.

Author Metrics:

Dr. Nikodelis has a Google Scholar h-index of 10, reflecting the impact of his work with a total of 393 citations. He has 11 publications that have been cited at least 10 times (i10-index: 11). His research contributions are published in reputable journals such as the Journal of Sports Sciences and the Journal of Biomechanics, highlighting his significant role in advancing sports science and rehabilitation.

Top Noted Publication:

Bilateral Inter-Arm Coordination in Freestyle Swimming: Effect of Skill Level and Swimming Speed

  • Authors: T. Nikodelis, I. Kollias, V. Hatzitaki
  • Journal: Journal of Sports Sciences
  • Volume and Issue: 23(7)
  • Pages: 737-745
  • Year: 2005
  • Citations: 79

Direction-Induced Effects of Visually Guided Weight-Shifting Training on Standing Balance in the Elderly

  • Authors: V. Hatzitaki, I.G. Amiridis, T. Nikodelis, S. Spiliopoulou
  • Journal: Gerontology
  • Volume and Issue: 55(2)
  • Pages: 145-152
  • Year: 2009
  • Citations: 66

Visual Feedback Training Improves Postural Adjustments Associated with Moving Obstacle Avoidance in Elderly Women

  • Authors: V. Hatzitaki, D. Voudouris, T. Nikodelis, I.G. Amiridis
  • Journal: Gait & Posture
  • Volume and Issue: 29(2)
  • Pages: 296-299
  • Year: 2009
  • Citations: 53

Changes in the Limits of Stability Induced by Weight-Shifting Training in Elderly Women

  • Authors: V. Gouglidis, T. Nikodelis, V. Hatzitaki, I.G. Amiridis
  • Journal: Experimental Aging Research
  • Volume and Issue: 37(1)
  • Pages: 46-62
  • Year: 2010
  • Citations: 37

The Effects of Dry Needling on Pain Relief and Functional Balance in Patients with Sub-Chronic Low Back Pain

  • Authors: T. Loizidis, T. Nikodelis, E. Bakas, I. Kollias
  • Journal: Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
  • Volume and Issue: 33(6)
  • Pages: 953-959
  • Year: 2020
  • Citations: 29

 

Sunday Olayinka Oyedepo | Mechanical Engineering | Academic Excellence Paper Award