Rudram Dushe Receives Abplanalp-Sanders Memorial Fellowship to Advance Multiphase Detonation Research

Ph.D. student Rudram Dushe has been awarded the Abplanalp-Sanders Memorial Fellowship for the 2025–26 academic year. This fellowship, which carries a $25,000 stipend, is awarded to graduate students whose research advances the understanding of aerosol sprays, their mechanical breakup, and related applications in consumer products and propulsion technologies. It supports students who demonstrate high academic achievement and a commitment to impactful research in these fields.

Dushe, advised by Professor Suo Yang, is investigating how aerosol spray breakup influences multiphase detonation dynamics in high-speed propulsion systems critical for the development of new aircraft and aerospace applications. His work uses high-fidelity numerical simulations to explore how the aerodynamic breakup of liquid sprays affects ignition and stability — insights that could inform the design of more effective injectors, combustors for supersonic and hypersonic propulsion systems.

Professor Suo Yang shared his excitement about the award and Rudram’s contributions:

"Rudram is an excellent and curious student, and always works very hard. He has been working on multiphase detonation dynamics for aerospace propulsion, and this prestigious fellowship will allow him to continue exploring the aero-breakup of aerosol sprays in this challenging problem. I’m really grateful for this generous support and look forward to his research outcome."

Rudram shared his reflections on receiving the fellowship:

"I’m honored to receive the Abplanalp-Sanders Memorial Fellowship and grateful for the recognition of my work,” said Dushe. “This support will allow me to pursue deeper exploration of how aerosol spray breakup influences multiphase detonation phenomena in next-generation high-speed propulsion systems. I’m excited about the research ahead and thankful for the encouragement this fellowship provides."