Sidaard Gunasekaran

Magazine Articles

• Gunasekaran, S., & Melton, D. (2017). Getting EML off the ground: Why do jets fly so high? KEEN Magazine, 8. (http://online.fliphtml5.com/zyet/ykie/#p=8)

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

• Cai, J., Gunasekaran, S., & Ol, M. (2022). Effect of Partial Ground and Partial Ceiling on Propeller Performance. Journal of Aircraft, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.C036974
• Gunasekaran, S., Peyton, M., & Novotny, N. (2022). Aerodynamic Interactions of Wind Lenses at Close Proximities. Energies, 15 (13), 4622. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15134622
• Gunasekaran, S., & Altman, A. (2021). Far Wake and Its Relation to Aerodynamic Efficiency. Energies, 14 (12), 3641. https://doi.org/10.3390/en14123641
• Loughnane, F., Mongin, M., & Gunasekaran, S. (2021). Effect of Airfoil-Preserved Undulation Placement on Wing Performance and Wingtip Vortex, AIAA Journal, https://doi.org/10.2514/1.J059517
• Cai, J., Gunasekaran, S., Ol, M., & Ahmed, A. (2020). Propeller Ground and Ceiling Effect Parametric Data. Journal of Aircraft, 1-4. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.C035839
• Gunasekaran, S., & Ross, G. (2019). Effect of piezo-embedded inverted flag in free shear layer wake. Aerospace, 6(3), 33. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace6030033 
• Gunasekaran, S., & Curry, D. (2018). On the wake properties of segmented trailing edge extensions. Aerospace, 5(3), 89. https://doi.org/10.3390/aerospace5030089
• Gunasekaran, S., & Gerham, T. (2018). Effect of chordwise slots on aerodynamic efficiency and wingtip vortex. AIAA Journal, 56(12), 4752-4767. https://doi.org/10.2514/1.J057073

Peer-Reviewed Conference Articles

• Ivarson, J., Maneck, L., Narayanan, B., & Gunasekaran, S. (2022). Deep Learning Algorithm for Atomization Characterization using Shadowgraph Images. AIAA SCITECH 2022 Forum, 0188. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2022-0188
• Donovan, M., Rumpfkeil, M., Gunasekaran, S., & Marks, C. (2022). Analysis of High-lift Low Pressure Turbine Endwall Vortices Using Modal Decomposition Methods. AIAA SCITECH 2022 Forum, 0477. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2022-0477
• Cai, J., Gunasekaran, S., & Ol, M. (2022). Sinusoidal Gust Response of RC Propellers at Different Incidence Angles. AIAA SCITECH 2022 Forum, 1536. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2022-1536
• Peyton, M., & Gunasekaran, S. (2022). Investigation into Wake Interactions of Wind Lenses at Close Proximities. AIAA SCITECH 2022 Forum, 1789. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2022-1789
• Culpepper, G., Cai, J., & Gunasekaran, S. (2022). Effect of Forward Propeller Tilt and Inlet Shape in Propeller-in-Wing Thrust Vectoring. AIAA SCITECH 2022 Forum, 1539. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2022-1539
• Hung, L., Cai, J., Novotny, N. & Gunasekaran, S. (2022). Development of a Multi-Purpose Flap and Spoiler Mechanism for High Endurance Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. AIAA SCITECH 2022 Forum, 1027. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2022-1027
• Insana, E, & Gunasekaran, S. (2022). Low Reynolds Number Experimental Aerodynamic Verification of Scaled and LEWICE Simulated Ice Accretions in SLD Conditions. AIAA SCITECH 2022 Forum, 2025. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2022-2025
• Mongin, M., Gunasekaran, S., Medina, A., Ordonez, R. & Killian, A. (2022). High Amplitude Lift Tracking Using Closed-Loop Feedback and Control. AIAA SCITECH 2022 Forum, 0046. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2022-0046
• Cai, J., & Gunasekaran, S. (2022). Propeller Ground and Ceiling Effect in Forward Flight. Vertical Flight Society, Forum 78, Dallas, TX, USA, SKU # 78-2022-0072-Cai

• Mongin, M., & Gunasekaran, S. (2021). Lift Regulation Using Closed-Loop Feedback and Control. AIAA Scitech 2021 Forum, 2000. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2021-2000
• Culpepper, G., Cai, J., & Gunasekaran, S. (2021). Propeller and Propeller-in-Wing Thrust Vectoring. AIAA Scitech 2021 Forum, 0615. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2021-0615
• Cai, J., Gunasekaran, S., & Ol, M. (2021). Propeller Partial Ground and Ceiling Effect Prediction. AIAA Scitech 2021 Forum, 0614. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2021-0614
• Barnhart, S., Narayanan, B., & Gunasekaran, S. (2021). Blown Wing Aerodynamic Coefficient Predictions Using Traditional Machine Learning and Data Science Approaches. AIAA Scitech 2021 Forum, 0616. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2021-0616
• Gunasekaran, S., & Sharp, R. (2021). Airfoil Near Wake Turbulent Properties at Maximum Aerodynamic Efficiency Condition. AIAA Scitech 2021 Forum, 1848. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2021-1848
• Loughnane, F., Mongin, M. & Gunasekaran, S. (2021). Effect of Airfoil-Preserved Undulations on Free Shear Layer. AIAA Scitech 2021 Forum, 0847. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2021-0847

• Narayanan, B., Ivarson, J., Maneck, L., Gunasekaran, S. (2021). Deep Learning Algorithm for Atomization Characterization using Shadowgraph Images, 2021 IEEE National Aerospace and Electronics Conference (NAECON), Dayton, OH, USA. https://doi.org/10.1109/NAECON49338.2021.9696443

• Loughnane, F., Supina, R., Mongin, M.,  & Gunasekaran, S. (2020). Effect of Airfoil-Preserved Undulations on Wing Performance. AIAA Scitech 2020 Forum, 1784.  https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2020-1784
• Cook, T., Gunasekaran, S., Ol, M., & Mongin, M. (2020). Frequency Response of a Shuttered Open Jet Wind Tunnel. AIAA Scitech 2020 Forum, 1760. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2020-1760
• Novotny, N., & Gunasekaran, S. (2020). Performance and Proximity Investigations on Small Scale Lensed Turbines. AIAA Scitech 2020 Forum, 1242. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2020-1242
• Barnhart, S., & Gunasekaran, S. (2020). Investigation of Doppler Lidar for Velocity Measurements in Wind Tunnels. AIAA Scitech 2020 Forum, 1021. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2020-1021

• Gazella, M., Hill, J., Chriss, S., Abel, A., & Gunasekaran, S. (2020). Design and Analysis of an Additive Manufactured Supersonic Wind Tunnel. AIAA Scitech 2020 Forum, 1354. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2020-1354
• Deslich, J., Gunasekaran, S., Flick, P., & Szczublewski, D. (2020). Effects of spanloading and slew angle on an Oblique Flying Wing. AIAA Scitech 2020 Forum, 0532. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2020-0532
• Cai, J., Gunasekaran, S., Ahmed A., & Ol, M. (2020). Propeller Partial Ground Effect. AIAA Scitech 2020 Forum, 1028. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2020-1028

• Gunasekaran, S., Ross, G. V., & Curry, D. (2019). Effect of flexible inverted PVDF in free shear layer wake. In AIAA Scitech 2019 Forum, 1338. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2019-1338
• Goodman, S., Gunasekaran, S., Altman, A., & Medina, A. (2019). On the near wake turbulent flow properties of the SD7003 airfoil. In AIAA Scitech 2019 Forum, 0073. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2019-0073
• Palmer, A. E., & Gunasekaran, S. (2019). Effect of curved boundary layer fences on aerodynamic efficiency. In AIAA Scitech 2019 Forum, 1614. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2019-1614

• Cai, J, Gunasekaran, S., Ahmed, A., & Ol, M. V. (2019). Changes in propeller performance due to ground proximity. In AIAA Scitech 2019 Forum, 1097. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2019-1097
• Gunasekaran, S., & Gerham, T. (2018). Effect of chordwise slots on aerodynamic efficiency. 2018 AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, AIAA 2018-0342. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2018-0342
• Gunasekaran, S., & Curry, D. (2018). Effect of segmented trailing edge extensions on aerodynamic efficiency. 2018 AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, AIAA 2018-0343. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2018-0343
• Gunasekaran, S., & Thomas, N. (2018). Affecting aerodynamic efficiency by influencing wing surface-flow direction. 2018 AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, AIAA 2018-0344. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2018-0344
• Gunasekaran, S. (2018). Integrated teaching model: A follow up with fundamental aerodynamics. ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition. https://peer.asee.org/30677
• Gunasekaran, S., & Altman, A. (2017). Better insight into the wingtip vortex-free shear layer interaction. 55th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, AIAA 2017-1705. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2017-1705
• Gunasekaran, S. (2017). Integrated teaching model in graduate aerospace classes: A trial with compressible flow aerodynamics. ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition. https://doi.org/10.18260/1-2--28546
• Gunasekaran, S., & Altman, A. (2017). Insight into wingtip vortex-wing free shear layer interaction.10^th International Symposium on Turbulence and Shear Flow Phenomenon (TSFP10).
• Gunasekaran, S., & Altman, A. (2016). Is there a relationship between the wingtip vortex and the shear layer? 54th AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, AIAA 2016-1068. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2016-1068
• Gunasekaran, S., Altman, A., & Granlund, K. O. (2015). Trends in early vortex formation on a wall-to-wall plate in pure plunge. 53rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, AIAA 2015-1753. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2015-1753
• Gunasekaran, S., Altman, A., & Ol, M.V. (2015). Errors in off-axis loading of off-the-shelf 6-component force transducers: A cautionary tale. 53rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, AIAA 2015-1562. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2015-1562
• Gunasekaran, S., Berkemeier^†, G., & Pinnell, M. (2015). Design of a new lab on three-point bend test on fiberglass composite. ASEE North Central Section Conference.
• Altman, A., & Gunasekaran, S. (2014). Wing performance insight from the self-preserved turbulent wake. 52nd Aerospace Sciences Meeting, AIAA 2014-0247. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2014-0247
• Lego, Z., Altman, A., & Gunasekaran, S. (2012). Experimental and computational analysis of high angle of attack perching maneuvers. 30th AIAA Applied Aerodynamics Conference, AIAA 2012-2666. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2012-2666
• Altman, A., & Gunasekaran, S. (2012). Identification of aircraft by their unique turbulent wake signature: Progress with experimental validation. In 51st AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting including the New Horizons Forum and Aerospace Exposition, AIAA 2012-1120. https://doi.org/10.2514/6.2013-1120

Selected Research and Work

• Design, Build, Test (Learning by Design) in Introduction to Flight: Updyke, K. (2021, June). When passion takes flight. Dayton Engineer Blog. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/WhenPassionTakesFlight
• Problem- and Project-Based Learning in Aircraft Design using Flight Simulator: Merlin Flight Simulator Lab, Curriculum. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/MerlinFlightSimulator and Curran, A. (2019, July). A look inside the LTC studio with Dr. Sidaard Gunasekaran. Listen Notes. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/TeachinginLTCStudio

• Farm Progress: Keck, G. C. (2019, June 7). Spraying in the Ohio wind. OhioFarmer. Retrieved from https://www.farmprogress.com/crops/spraying-ohio-wind

• Measuring mindset using portfolios: Gunasekaran, S. (2019, March 14). How do you measure a mindset? KEEN Network, YouTube. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/MeasuringMindset

• Integration of Entrepreneurial Minded Learning (EML): Our competitive edge. (2018). Donor Impact. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/EMLatUD
• IDA Pedagogy in MEE 225 Intro to Flight Featured in Aerospace America: AFIT Student Branch Hosts Distinguished Lecturer. (2017, December). Aerospace America Bulletin. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/IDAinMEE225

• Project Based Learning and Inquiry Learning in Aerodynamics using Passion Projects: Garrow, K. (2017, May). New classroom approach brings passion to the forefront of learning. Dayton Engineer Blog. Retrieved from https://bit.ly/PassionProjectMEE401
  

• 2018: DESS Best Presentation in Undergraduate Student Presentation Competition (with Asa Palmer)
• 2018: University of Dayton School of Engineering Vision Award for Innovation in Teaching
• 2018: Dayton-Cincinnati Aerospace Sciences Symposium Best Presentation Award (with Daniel Curry)
• 2018: Ohio Space Grant Consortium Best STEM Poster Award (with Asa Palmer)
• 2017: ASME Dayton Engineering Science Symposium Best Presentation in Fluid Dynamics Award
• 2016: University of Dayton Outstanding PhD Research Award
• 2015: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Chairman’s Award for Outstanding Support of the AIAA
  Dayton-Cincinnati Section K-12 STEM Outreach Program.
• 2015: Graduate Summer Fellowship awarded by the University of Dayton
• 2014: Dayton-Cincinnati Aerospace Sciences Symposium Best Presentation Award (with Aaron Altman)
• 2013: Graduate Summer Fellowship awarded by the University of Dayton
• 2007: Academic Excellence Award from Sainik School Amaravathi Nagar (India)
• 2007: Best in Physics Award from Sainik School Amaravathi Nagar (India)

With Students:

• 2022: Jielong Cai – DCASS 2^nd Place in Art-In-Science Competition
• 2018: Asa Palmer - DESS Best Presentation in Undergraduate Student Presentation Competition
• 2018: Daniel Curry - Dayton-Cincinnati Aerospace Sciences Symposium Best Presentation Award
• 2018: Asa Palmer - Ohio Space Grant Consortium Best STEM Poster Award

Licenses, Certifications and Credentials

• Design and Simulation of Propeller Aerodynamics in Matlab, Udemy, May 22, 2020
• Creating Apps in Matlab with App Designer, Udemy, May 18, 2020
• Matlab Simulink Bible, Udemy, May 8, 2020
• Control Systems: From Mathematical Modelling to PID Control, Udemy, May 11, 2020
• Machine Learning for Data Science using MATLAB, Udemy, July 15, 2021

• MEE 225 Introduction to Flight
• MEE 312 Engineering Materials
• MEE 312L Engineering Materials Lab
• MEE 401/AEE 501 Fundamental Aerodynamics
• MEE 425 Airplane Design
• MEE 498 Engineering Experimentation with Aero Specialization
• AEE 555 Turbulence
• AEE 553 Compressible Flow
• AEE 590 Experimental Aerodynamics
• AEE 590 Advanced Data Science and Machine Learning Applied to Aerodynamics
• AEE 590 Unsteady Aerodynamics

• AI Fellow, Spring 2026 Cohort
• MEE 425 Aircraft Design and AEE 509 Experimental Aerodynamics: Using AI to design interactive learning experiences that bring AI directly into the classroom and cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset in students. Gunasekaran builds working interactive apps in about twenty minutes with no coding required, which models the curiosity and rapid experimentation he wants students to adopt. When students explore a concept like aircraft stability by adjusting parameters and watching the response, they build genuine intuition rather than memorizing equations, and they begin to create value from their own discoveries.

• Used machine learning models to predict lift and pitching moment coefficients for blown-wing aircraft configurations using historical wind tunnel data.
• Used deep learning with shadowgraph images to characterize spray atomization behavior, including nozzle and chemical-mixture effects. 

• Ph.D. Aerospace Engineering, University of Dayton
• M.S. University of Dayton 

• Low Reynolds number flows
• Unsteady fluid dynamics
• Wake Energy Harvesting
• Lensed Turbines
• Wingtip vortex
• Wing design
• Propeller performance