Seshraj Pratihari - Visits & Collaborations

Visiting Research Scholar | University of Pavia, Italy

Period: March 2026 – June 2026

Department: Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture

Research Focus: Lumped Parameter Network Modeling (LPNM) of Biporous Miniature Loop Heat Pipes (mLHPs)

Technical Scope & Key Contributions:

Lumped Parameter Network Model (LPNM) Formulation: Developed a steady-state and transient 1D numerical model to simulate and predict the thermal-hydraulic performance of miniature loop heat pipes equipped with biporous sintered wicks.
Heat Leak & Operating Limit Prediction: Coupled energy and mass conservation equations to accurately capture parasitic heat leakage from the evaporator saddle to the compensation chamber (CC), evaluating its influence on operating temperatures, subcooling margins, and dryout boundaries.
Dual-Pore Transport Coupling: Integrated capillary pressure head and hydraulic permeability characteristics specific to the dual-pore (micro/macropore) nickel wick structure within the hydraulic loop resistance network.
Academic Exchange & Lectures: Delivered invited lectures on passive two-phase thermal management systems at the university's international workshop and engaged in collaborative space thermal management discussions.

TTSPACE Workshop: Innovation & Networking for the Space Economy

Host Organization: Italian Space Agency (Agenzia Spaziale Italiana – ASI)

Location: ASI Headquarters, Rome, Italy

Date: April 29, 2026

Role: Participant
Key Highlights & Technical Engagements:
- Space Economy & Technology Transfer: Engaged in discussions on emerging technological roadmaps, institutional space programs, and commercialization pathways within the European space ecosystem.
- Thermal Management for Space Systems: Participated in technical sessions on advanced satellite payloads, thermal architecture challenges in miniaturized spacecraft (CubeSats/SmallSats), and the role of high-capacity passive two-phase thermal control systems.
- International Academic-Industrial Networking: Interacted with aerospace researchers, space agency delegates, and European industrial partners to explore cross-border research collaborations and flight test campaign opportunities.

Project Intern | Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC), Kolkata

Period: 2021 – 2022

Scope of Work:
- Hands-on involvement in the cold box installation, component layout verification, and piping alignment for a helium liquefier/refrigerator system.
- Performed finite element thermal stress analysis and CFD simulations for cryogenic process lines operating down to liquid helium temperatures (4.2 K).

Welcome Kit by University of Pavia

University of Pavia old campus visit with my both supervisors ( Prof. Manmohan Pandey and Prof. Marco Marengo) and friends

Statue of Minerva (Piazzale Minerva, Pavia)

Cathedral of Pavia

Presenting my research on Loop Heat Pipes and sintered biporous wicks during the workshop at the University of Pavia. | Photo Credit: Prof. Marco Marengo

During a discussion after the workshop

At the TTSPACE Workshop, Italian Space Agency, Rome

Colosseum

Basilica, Vatican City

With my Collegues Kelvin and Larissa in Rome

Trevi Fountain, Rome

Colloseum, Rome