Mechanical engineering professor emeritus honored for groundbreaking NSF research aboard ISS
Published: Aug 8, 2024 10:00 AM
By Jeremy Henderson
Even in retirement, mechanical engineering professor emeritus Sushil Bhavnani's work with vapor bubbles is rising to the top.
Bhavnani, who in July 2023 retired from the Department of Mechanical Engineering after 36 years of research and instruction in thermal management, heat transfer and phase-change cooling, recently received the prestigious International Space Station National Lab 2024 Compelling Results Award in Physical Sciences and Material Development.
The award was officially bestowed at this year's International Space Station Research and Development Conference held July 30 through Aug. 1 in Boston.
Bhavnani was selected on the strength of the results obtained during a National Science Foundation-funded investigation, “Thermally Activated Directional Mobility of Vapor Bubbles."
Featuring a special surface that helps move heat away from electronics without the need for fans or other moving parts, the cooling system Bhavnani's research team conceived and built in Wiggins Hall was successfully tested aboard the ISS; the results have already led to an improved fundamental understanding of vapor bubble dynamics that could provide more efficient and reliable electronics for use in space, air travel, and even in everyday devices like phones and laptops.
Conference judges deemed the project "the most promising over the last year in the topic area of physical sciences and material development arising from research performed on the International Space Station."
"The honor came very much out of the blue," Bhavnani said. "I'd like to think it's a testament to the years of effort — sometimes fraught — put in by my research team, including my former doctoral student, Dr. Karthekeyan Sridhar, and my colleague from the University of California-Davis, Dr. Vinod Narayanan. I'm always delighted to see Auburn's work recognized."
Mechanical engineering department chair Jeff Suhling feels the same about Bhavnani.
"It's great to see Sushil get the credit he deserves for this NSF work," Suhling said. "It's another example of not only his research expertise, but also the indelible mark he left on our department. His legacy continues to drive us toward excellence."
Mechanical engineering professor emeritus Sushil Bhavnani (center) receives the prestigious International Space Station National Lab 2024 Compelling Results Award at this year's International Space Station Research and Development Conference in Boston.
