How the anatomy of a harbor seal could revolutionize aircraft engines
In short: Nature has spent millions of years perfecting fluid dynamics. Now, NASA engineers are looking to the harbor seal to help design the next generation of aircraft, aiming to reduce fuel burn, noise, and emissions through the power of biomimicability.
At NASA’s Glenn Research Center, research aerospace engineer Vikram Shyam is leading efforts to apply biological principles to complex mechanical challenges. As part of the agency's biomimicry group, Shyam and his collaborators are investigating how the morphology of the harbor seal can be applied to technical components like wind turbine and gas turbine blades, probes, and sensors. The goal is to improve performance in environments subject to variable operating conditions or vortex-induced vibrations. This research is conducted within the Turbomachinery and Turboelectric Systems branch. The project seeks to address technical and institutional hurdles through these natural design principles.
This work is part of a broader focus on aero-propulsion concepts that include energy harvesting, flow control, and the development of multifunctional structures. By studying how biological organisms navigate fluid environments, engineers aim to develop new turbine technology capable of reducing the environmental footprint of future aircraft engines, specifically targeting lower fuel consumption and reduced emissions. Beyond propulsion, his research interests extend to energy harvesting and the development of multifunctional structures. He also focuses on long-range planning and advancing STEM education.
Shyam’s research contributions have earned significant recognition, including being named one of 105 recipients of the Presidential Early Career Award (PECASE) by President Barack Obama. Created during Clinton's presidency in 1996, this distinction represents the premier recognition the US government grants to scientists and engineers starting their autonomous research journeys. His work also encompasses long-range planning and new concepts for in-space exploration, supported by several pending utility patents. Alongside this distinguished federal recognition, he also holds both the NASA Group Achievement Award and the NASA Early Career Achievement Medal. He was also recognized with the American Science & Engineering, Inc. Young Engineer Award.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2014 NASA Asian American and Pacific Islander Month Profile, Vikram Shyam, GRC
- Also: Alumnus to be Honored with Presidential Early Career Award
- Also: NASA — NASA Celebrates Asian American, Pacific Islander Heritage Month - NASA
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