Lighter Than Air Systems Proceedings of the International Conference on Design and Engineering of Lighter-Than-Air Systems 2022 (DELTAs-2022)

This book presents select peer reviewed proceedings of the International Conference on Design and Engineering of Lighter-Than-Air Systems (DELTAs 2022) which was held at the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. It highlights current research trends and advancements in the field of lighter-than-air (LTA) systems. The topics covered include design (conventional and unconventional), aerodynamics (CFD), structures, loads and materials, stability and control, operations and ground handling, multidisciplinary design optimization, and novel applications of LTA systems. The book will be a valuable reference for researchers and professionals interested in lighter-than-air systems and allied fields.

Dr. Dhwanil Shukla is currently an Assistant Professor at the Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. He obtained his Bachelor of Technology (mechanical engineering) from IIT Gandhinagar, and Master of Science (aerospace engineering) and Ph.D. (aerospace engineering) from the Georgia Institute of Technology, USA. His major areas of research interests include low-speed aerodynamics, rotorcraft aerodynamics, and flow diagnostic techniques. He has published 30 papers in journals and conferences of national and international repute. He worked on various research projects like slung load divergence speed prediction, aerodynamic loads on bluff bodies, dynamic flow field characteristics on retreating rotor blade, and low Reynolds number multi-rotor aerodynamic interactions. Dr. Shukla is a two-time recipient of the Vertical Flight Foundation (VFF) scholarship. He is also an awardee of the President Gold Medal and Institute Gold Medal at IIT Gandhinagar.