Dr. Abhishek Kumar: Research Assistant at City St George’s, University of London, United Kingdom
Abhishek Kumar is a Senior Engineer at Kirloskar Pneumatic Company Ltd. (KPCL) based in Pune, India, specializing in the design and development of rotary screw compressors. His expertise lies in optimizing compressors for various industrial applications, where he is involved in both research and practical engineering solutions. Abhishek is working under a collaborative project between Kirloskar and City University of London to develop a new range of screw compressors. His approach combines deep theoretical understanding with hands-on experience in mechanical design and development. With a background in Manufacturing Engineering from IIT Bhubaneswar, Abhishek is committed to pushing the boundaries of compressor technologies and enhancing their efficiency in real-world applications.
Online Profiles
Abhishek Kumar has gained recognition in his field with notable research contributions that have been cited 43 times since 2020. His work has led to an h-index of 3, indicating consistent impact within the academic community. Additionally, he has an i10-index of 1, which reflects the number of his publications with at least ten citations. These metrics underscore the growing influence of his research in mechanical engineering, particularly in the areas of screw compressor optimization and material performance analysis.
Education
Abhishek completed his M.Tech in Manufacturing Engineering from IIT Bhubaneswar in 2021, where he graduated with First Class with Distinction and achieved an impressive CGPI of 9.61/10. During his time at IIT, he engaged in extensive research on mechanical systems, residual stress analysis, and welding technologies. Prior to his master’s, Abhishek earned a B.E. in Mechanical Engineering from Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT), Bangalore, with a CGPI of 8.80/10, also with First Class with Distinction. His academic achievements include scoring full marks in Engineering Mathematics during his undergraduate studies and being recognized for his excellence in Mathematics in both his secondary and higher secondary school exams, where he was awarded by the CBSE.
Research Focus
Abhishek’s research is centered on the optimization and design enhancement of mechanical systems, particularly rotary screw compressors. His focus is on improving the efficiency and reliability of compressors used in industrial applications, with an emphasis on reducing energy consumption, increasing performance, and extending operational lifespan. His research incorporates both computational analysis and experimental validation, using tools such as ABAQUS for non-linear thermal analysis, along with hands-on techniques like the blind hole drilling method to assess residual stresses in materials. Additionally, his work extends to the study of welding processes and their impact on material properties, such as cladding deposited via Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), with a goal of enhancing wear resistance and durability.
Experience
Abhishek has been a Senior Engineer at Kirloskar Pneumatic Company Ltd. (KPCL) since June 2021, where he plays an integral role in the design and development team for rotary screw compressors. He is primarily responsible for conducting research and development work on compressor optimization for various industrial applications. His work involves both simulation and experimental work aimed at improving compressor performance. Additionally, he is involved in the ongoing collaboration between Kirloskar and City University of London for the development of next-generation screw compressors. Before joining KPCL, Abhishek gained valuable experience during his project internship at National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) in 2015, where he worked on understanding the operational dynamics of coal-based power plants and contributing to their performance assessments.
Research Timeline
2021–Present: Senior Engineer, Kirloskar Pneumatic Company Ltd., focusing on the optimization of rotary screw compressors for various applications.
2020–2021: Master’s thesis at IIT Bhubaneswar on the estimation of residual stresses in aero-engine piping systems and mechanical properties of materials subjected to welding processes.
2015: Project trainee at NTPC, Farakka, where he studied and analyzed the operations of a coal-based power plant, contributing to the performance enhancement strategies for energy generation.
Abhishek’s research journey has progressed from understanding fundamental mechanical properties to working on advanced optimization techniques for industrial equipment, with a clear focus on practical applications in energy systems and manufacturing.
Awards & Honors
Abhishek’s academic journey is marked by several distinguished awards and achievements. He was recognized for achieving the highest CGPA in his Master’s program at IIT Bhubaneswar (2021). During his undergraduate studies at NMIT Bangalore, he not only earned full marks in all parts of Engineering Mathematics but also consistently performed at the top of his class. His exceptional academic performance in Mathematics was also acknowledged by the CBSE, which awarded him full marks in both his Higher Secondary (2012) and Secondary School (2010) exams. These accolades reflect his dedication to academic excellence and his passion for problem-solving in the field of mechanical engineering.
Recent Publication
Abhishek has contributed to a research paper focused on the mechanical properties and wear resistance of materials subjected to Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) cladding. This study, conducted under the guidance of Dr. Manas Mohan Mahapatra and Dr. Chetan at IIT Bhubaneswar, investigates how varying welding currents affect the cladding material properties, especially in terms of hardness, wear resistance, and tribological performance. The research found significant improvements in the wear resistance of materials post-cladding, especially at an applied current of 100 A. The paper is currently in the final stages of preparation and will soon be submitted to a reputed journal in the field of materials science and mechanical engineering.
Lifecycle Cost Analysis and Performance Evaluation of Multi-Stage Screw Compressors
Authors: A. Kumar, A. Kovacevic, N. Stosic
Journal: Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part C: Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science
Published: 2025
This paper explores the lifecycle cost and performance evaluation of multi-stage screw compressors, offering valuable insights into the long-term efficiency and cost-effectiveness of compressor systems.Optimisation of Industrial Oil-Flooded Screw Compressors: A Comparative Analysis of Conventional and Soft Computing Approaches
Authors: A. Kumar, A. Kovacevic, S. Anusuya Ponnusami
Published: 2024
The study presents a comparative analysis of traditional optimization methods versus soft computing techniques for industrial oil-flooded screw compressors, demonstrating improvements in performance.Integrated Modelling and Optimisation Framework for Multi-Stage Screw Compressors Utilising Gaussian Process Regression and Bayesian Methods
Authors: A. Kumar, A. Kovacevic, SA Ponnusami
Journal: Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering
Published: 2025
This research introduces a novel framework for modelling and optimizing multi-stage screw compressors, incorporating advanced statistical methods like Gaussian process regression and Bayesian methods.Optimizing Tooth Count in Labyrinth Seals for Enhanced Efficiency and Reduced Leakage in Centrifugal Compressors: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Study
Authors: A. Kumar, A. Chaudhari, V. B. Patel
Journal: Sādhanā
Published: 2025
This paper utilizes computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to optimize the tooth count in labyrinth seals, enhancing compressor efficiency and reducing leakage in centrifugal compressors.Optimization, Simulation and Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Oil Cooling System for Air Centrifugal Compressor
Authors: A. Kumar, A. Chaudhari, D. D. Patel
Journal: Engineering Research Express
Published: 2025
The study focuses on optimizing and simulating the oil cooling system of air centrifugal compressors, using CFD analysis to improve overall cooling efficiency and compressor performance.Developing a Framework for Modelling and Analysing Multi-Stage Screw Compressors
Authors: A. Kumar
Institution: City St George’s, University of London
Published: 2025
This work presents a comprehensive framework developed for modelling and analyzing multi-stage screw compressors, providing a solid foundation for future research and optimization.
Strengths for the Best Innovator Award:
To highlight Dr. Abhishek Kumar’s strengths for a “Best Innovator Award,” here are five key topics that showcase his innovation, leadership, and expertise in mechanical engineering and compressor technologies:
1. Advanced Optimization Techniques in Compressor Design
Abhishek’s research focuses on innovative optimization methods for rotary screw compressors, including both traditional approaches and soft computing techniques. His work is pushing the boundaries of compressor design, improving energy efficiency, performance, and operational longevity. His ability to integrate advanced statistical models, such as Gaussian process regression and Bayesian methods, into compressor optimization sets him apart as an innovator who combines data-driven methods with mechanical design for practical and impactful solutions.
2. Lifecycle Cost and Performance Evaluation of Multi-Stage Screw Compressors
Abhishek’s publication on Lifecycle Cost Analysis and Performance Evaluation of multi-stage screw compressors demonstrates his ability to provide sustainable and cost-effective engineering solutions. His approach goes beyond conventional design principles by integrating economic and performance metrics into the evaluation process, which can significantly impact industries that rely on compressor systems. This aligns with his vision of developing long-term, cost-efficient compressor technologies for industrial applications.
3. Development of Cutting-Edge Cladding Technologies
Abhishek’s work on Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) cladding and its effect on material properties—specifically wear resistance—illustrates his deep understanding of material science and manufacturing processes. By innovating on cladding techniques, he has improved durability and efficiency in materials used in mechanical systems. His research on welding and tribological behavior is paving the way for the next generation of highly resilient mechanical components, with broad applications in aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors.
4. Integration of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) for Compressor Performance
Abhishek’s use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) in optimizing labyrinth seals and cooling systems for compressors is a testament to his forward-thinking approach. He combines CFD analysis with mechanical design to improve efficiency and reduce leakage in centrifugal compressors. This work represents a holistic application of simulations and real-world engineering challenges, showcasing his ability to merge theoretical knowledge with practical solutions for improved compressor operation.
5. Collaboration and Industry-Academia Synergy
Abhishek’s ongoing collaboration with City University of London on the development of next-generation screw compressors highlights his innovative approach to cross-functional and cross-disciplinary research. His work exemplifies how collaboration between industry and academia can lead to the development of cutting-edge solutions. This partnership not only facilitates the integration of academic research into real-world applications but also underscores his leadership in driving research innovation in the mechanical engineering field.