• Narayanan M. Komerath
  • Professor

Contact Information

Office: Guggenheim 353
Phone: 404.894.3017

Education

  • B.Tech, Aeronautical Engineering, 1978, Indian Institute of Technology
  • M.S., Aerospace Engineering, 1979, Georgia Institute of Technology
  • Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering, 1982, Georgia Institute of Technology

Biography

Dr. Komerath has participated in the Army Research Office Rotorcraft Center of Excellence at Georgia Tech since its inception in 1982, studying vortex flow aerodynamics.  He has taught over 1,900 aerospace engineers in 21 different courses in aerodynamics, propulsion, gas dynamics, measurement techniques and flow control.  He holds 3 US patents, has conducted over 70 sponsored projects, and published over 240 papers.  Since 1990, he directs the operation of the John J. Harper Wind Tunnel, the 42” Low Speed Tunnel and the 9-foot rotor hover facility.  Dr. Komerath’s students won the Georgia Tech Sigma Xi Best Ph.D. Thesis awards in 1993, 1994 and 1998. 

Research

Experimental aerodynamics and concept development, with emphasis on the following areas:
  • Fluid dynamics of rotor blades and rotor wakes for helicopters and wind turbine applications using advanced flow diagnostic techniques in wind tunnels and rotor test chambers
  • Micro wind energy solutions compatible with environment, culture and economic aspirations
  • Beamed-power solutions for off-grid communities
  • Hybrid renewable power devices, including solar, wind and biomass technologies for off-grid communities
  • Micro renewable energy technologies linking space technologies with the needs of developing communities

Honors and Distinctions

  • Associate Fellow of the AIAA
  • Fellow of the NASA Institute of Advanced Concepts
  • Boeing A.D. Welliver Summer Faculty Fellowship in 2004
  • Senior Sam Nunn Security Fellow in the School of International Affairs, 2004-06
  • Hesburgh Teaching Fellow at Georgia Tech, 2005
  • Most Valuable Professor in Aerospace Engineering, 1991
  • Leadership Award for Development of Graduate Research Assistants 1993
  • Sigma Xi 1993-94 Faculty Best Paper Award
  • Georgia Tech Award for Outstanding Ph.D.Thesis Advisor for the period 1992-97