Hiten Mulchandani MSc Sound and Vibration Studies, 2016
Researcher, Dynamics Group
I came to the ISVR (Institute of Sound and Vibration Research) at the University of Southampton to learn about signal processing, mechanical vibrations, and aeroacoustics. The MSc program offered me the opportunity to learn all of this and much more so it was a perfect fit with my academic interests.
What made you choose to come and study at Southampton?
I came to the ISVR (Institute of Sound and Vibration Research) at the University of Southampton to learn about signal processing, mechanical vibrations, and aeroacoustics. The MSc program offered me the opportunity to learn all of this and much more so it was a perfect fit with my academic interests.
What were your Southampton ‘highlights’?
I’d say the whole MSc programme has been a real highlight of my time at Southampton. Although I enjoyed all the modules I took, I am particularly passionate about the disciplines of signal processing and aeroacoustics. These two were two of the most challenging, but also rewarding, modules I have ever taken.
Please can you provide a brief summary of the research you are undertaking?
My MSc research project sought to investigate the physical mechanisms of the phenomenon of ‘spectral broadening’ of acoustic waves by a layer of turbulence convected by uniform mean flow using an existing computational method. Spectral broadening is the spatial and spectral redistribution of acoustic energy due to scattering of acoustic waves propagating through a region of turbulence. The project was at the confluence of aeroacoustics and signal processing.
How do you rate the facilities available to you at the University? How did these facilities help you with your research?
Excellent! My project utilised the University’s High Performance Computing Facility to perform all the computations. The staff who maintained the facility were very helpful and the documentation they provided was very useful.
What did you enjoy most about your course?
I enjoyed all the technical learning the most, especially the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to be able to think through problems from a fundamental, first principles approach.
What networking, employment and work experience opportunities did you take, and how have they enhanced your experience?
I networked with a few lecturers and some industry professionals. Because of this network, I am now working as a researcher in the Dynamics Group of the ISVR on a research project partially funded by industry that seeks to explore the commercial feasibility of employing a novel technique to de-bond ice from aircraft wings based on vibration waves.
Do you have any idea of what you would like to do in the future? Have the opportunities you have taken up while at the University helped you have a clearer idea of what you might like to do?
I am keen to combine my passion for signal processing and aeroacoustics to solve challenging problems in industry. To that end, I am looking for full-time opportunities in industry beyond the end of my research contract this year. The staff at the careers centre have helped polish off my CV and prepare for interviews.
Do you like living in Southampton? What are the benefits of Southampton as a city? Do you feel safe in the city?
I enjoy living in Southampton and plan to take up sailing in the summer.