Dr. Santhosh Kumar Gugulothu is currently serving as Assistant Professor (Grade–II) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the National Institute of Technology, Andhra Pradesh, a position he has held since November 6, 2019. He holds a distinguished academic record, having secured All India Rank-37 (99.81 percentile) in GATE-2008, and graduated third in his B.Tech (Mechanical Engineering) class at JNTU College of Engineering.

Research Interests

Dr. Gugulothu’s research spans multiple advanced areas in mechanical engineering, including:

• Engine combustion and emission diagnostics

• Renewable energy technologies

• Thermal management systems

• Fluid mechanics and convective heat transfer

• Advanced propulsion systems, including Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) and torpedo dynamics

Sponsored Research & Funded Projects

He has been actively involved in several highly impactful research projects, both as Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Principal Investigator (CoPI), funded by NSTL-DRDO, NIT Andhra Pradesh, RUSA, and ANRF-PAIR. Notable projects include:

1. Performance Analysis of Ventilation Supercavitating Torpedo – PI, NSTL-DRDO, ₹48.25 lakhs (Ongoing)

2. Evaluation of Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Behaviour in Waves – CoPI, NSTL-DRDO, ₹11.2 lakhs (Ongoing)

3. Advancing Sodium-Ion Battery Technologies with AI-driven Analytics – CoPI, ANRF-PAIR, ₹200 lakhs (Ongoing)

4. Thermal Optimization of Nanoparticle-Enhanced Phase Change Materials – PI, NIT Andhra Pradesh, ₹6.0 lakhs (Completed)

Patents & Innovations

Dr. Gugulothu has a strong focus on applied research with societal impact, holding patents in areas such as:

• Multi-Fuel CRDI Diesel Engine for green transportation

• Smart Liquid Dispenser for precision liquid handling

• Mechanical Auto-Flush System for water conservation in urinals

Research Publications

He has an impressive publication record with:

• 120 research publications in peer-reviewed journals

• 12 conference publications

• Contributions to several book chapters on engine combustion, alternative fuels, and clean energy technologies

Workshops & Faculty Development

Dr. Gugulothu has actively contributed to academic and professional development through:

• Organizing faculty development programs on engine diagnostics, renewable energy technologies, and fluid mechanics

• Participating in national workshops on thermal engineering and NBA processes for outcome-based education

Awards & Honors

• Young Engineer Award-2025 – Lion Club International

• Rashtriya Gaurav Award (2018)

• Reviewer for high-impact journals: Fuel, Energy, International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Propulsion and Power Research, and others

• Advisory member for Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on examination reforms since 2018

Eligibility for Distinguished Scientist Award

Dr. Santhosh Kumar Gugulothu’s outstanding contributions in mechanical engineering research, patents with societal impact, leadership in sponsored projects, and prolific publications make him highly eligible for a Distinguished Scientist Award in recognition of his scientific laurels. His work in sustainable energy solutions, advanced propulsion systems, and thermal management innovations demonstrates both scientific excellence and societal relevance, aligning with the highest standards of the award.