Sankaran Ramanarayanan

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About

Sankaran Ramanarayanan is a researcher advancing the field of fluid-structure interactions, with a primary focus on the mechanics of squeeze-film lubrication and its applications in adhesion and robotics. His work centers on understanding how oscillating surfaces interact with thin fluid films to generate controllable forces. Ramanarayanan’s major contributions include developing a comprehensive theoretical framework for viscoacoustic squeeze-film forces, as detailed in his most-cited work (13 citations), which models the air flow induced by a vibrating disk near a parallel surface—a problem with significant implications for micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) and precision engineering. He has also explored the practical application of these principles, notably in a 2023 study (6 citations) that investigates using multiple vibration sources to control the motion of gas-lubricated adhesive disks, a concept with direct relevance to the design of climbing robots and material handling equipment. His most recent work (2024) reveals a critical breakthrough: the role of fluid-structure coupling in generating attractive squeeze-film forces that are a thousandfold stronger than previously predicted, opening new avenues for high-performance adhesion systems. Through these studies, Ramanarayanan is bridging fundamental fluid dynamics with innovative engineering solutions.