[VarunV]

Hey guys, I had made a post earlier here regarding my interests in ElectroAerodynamics. I applied to US and European universities last year and unfortunately got rejects. I guess the main reason is that I had little experience working on aerodynamics, and fluid dynamics in general. I did use CFD in my final year project, and last year in my workplace for simulating flows(Fluent) for an air quality sensor. Apart from that, my work was mostly on robotics (rigidbody simulations, controls and experimentation). I think this was the reason that I was rejected for, even though I had strong LORs(From 2 Professors in controls, and 1 in fluid dynamics!)

The department that I work at is mostly devoted to AI and Robotics, though they would very much be OK with doing some aerodynamics for drones and such. But the issue is that I would be pretty much be winging it, on the aerodynamics and CFD aspect. There is another expert product designer though. But no aerodynamic faculty to get guidance, and finally take an LOR from. Yet I could deploy a new aerodynamic concept on a drone, as I have experience with their autopilots.

I could try applying to the faculty at the Aerospace Department, but I find their work too theoretical. Also, the bar of entry is high, I don't come from a reputed institute, and I'm lacking in Aero and CFD knowledge to the level at what they would like. I am taking a course on aerodynamics in MIT edx though.

So what I want to ask is, what kind of work do universities specialising in aerodynamics look for? Should it be research oriented, which leads to the publication of a paper, or can it be just good engineering(for example, minimising drag on the quadcopter's main body)? I think I have good hold over Fluent(the UI! Not the 'core' CFD part), should I also invest some time to learn OpenFOAM? I think I will have to, but should I prioritize that for what I should do immediately?

[aero_head]

Theoretical work is important; it should precede experimental work. Otherwise, your CFD results could be meaningless/interpreted incorrectly. It's important to have a good knowledge base. Do some CFD theory/FEA courses, they will help.

[ErenC]

Well, I got rejected so many times I lost the count lol. Finding a funded project is really hard. Eventually I stayed in my home country, got accepted in a good university and I'm working with best advisor ever. I now have 2 SCI papers(before qualification exam!) but I'm not chasing oversea position anymore.
SO, I suggest you to find a good advisor and work with him and publish as many studies as you can. Having good papers published will be your postDoc ticket.

[VarunV]

Originally Posted by aero_head

Theoretical work is important; it should precede experimental work. Otherwise, your CFD results could be meaningless/interpreted incorrectly. It's important to have a good knowledge base. Do some CFD theory/FEA courses, they will help.

Of course, I won't disagree. Just that it will take time before I can get some meaningful results. Fortunately I'm working in a project now where I have to validate drone design configurations, and I'm using Fluent. It's more engineering, but I hope that counts. Also taking up an online course on Aerodynamics, and working towards my own concept and research.

[VarunV]

Originally Posted by ErenC

Well, I got rejected so many times I lost the count lol. Finding a funded project is really hard. Eventually I stayed in my home country, got accepted in a good university and I'm working with best advisor ever. I now have 2 SCI papers(before qualification exam!) but I'm not chasing oversea position anymore.
SO, I suggest you to find a good advisor and work with him and publish as many studies as you can. Having good papers published will be your postDoc ticket.

Hmmm which country are you from? Applications to univs in India are highly competitive(the GATE entrance exam requires intense preparation), and facilities here are not in line with the efforts you put in to clear the exam!

[ErenC]

Originally Posted by VarunV

Hmmm which country are you from? Applications to univs in India are highly competitive(the GATE entrance exam requires intense preparation), and facilities here are not in line with the efforts you put in to clear the exam!

I am from Turkey and believe me, if you wanna go to the top universities it is competitive in everywhere. But if you do some work first and contact with a supervisor(that matches with your academic intrests) about what you do and what you want to to it becomes fairly easier.

[Antony_Bosco]

Honestly, these days you can learn everything from your house. You don't really need a degree.

[slaine]

Originally Posted by Antony_Bosco

Honestly, these days you can learn everything from your house. You don't really need a degree.

Unfortunately an employer will not agree though..

[slaine]

I am from Turkey and believe me, if you wanna go to the top universities it is competitive in everywhere. But if you do some work first and contact with a supervisor(that matches with your academic intrests) about what you do and what you want to to it becomes fairly easier.

I totally agree with this. If you have an interest in a specific field, reach out to some academics and ask for a meeting with them in person or by video call to discuss what funded projects they have. Then, when you apply, it is more of a formality.

[Grem789]

I have also encountered this problem. I applied to Canada. And you know I was advised to go to immigration companies for help. At first I did not believe that it would help, but then I was convinced of it myself. Of course their services cost money, but now I am even working in this country and I am very glad that things turned out this way. Of course, I had to go back to my home country right away after graduation, but then I collected all the documents and met with my future employer, who also kindly agreed to get a lmia alberta permit to hire me. After that I applied for a work permit and now everything is as it should be. The most important thing is to know who to go to. Not always government agencies are interested in helping you. And that's why you can't get in. But of course in this case you have to take the exams as they should be.