Research Activities

The Mechanical Engineering Department is cultivating a growing research culture driven by curiosity, innovation, and real-world engineering needs. Our activities include student-led investigations, faculty-driven research themes, laboratory experimentation, and academic contributions that support Bhutan’s scientific and technological development.

Research at the Mechanical Engineering Department blends practical problem-solving with forward-looking engineering enquiry. Through emerging initiatives, student accomplishments, laboratory-based studies, and collaborative work, the department is steadily shaping a meaningful research identity. This foundation continues to strengthen each year as the ME community contributes to relevant, impactful, and practice-oriented engineering knowledge.

Research Highlights

Publications

Faculty members and students actively contribute to conferences, technical papers, posters, and academic reports. These publications reflect the department’s growing engagement with scholarly work and its commitment to sharing knowledge that supports engineering advancement in Bhutan and beyond.

Student Achievements

Mechanical Engineering students regularly excel in technical competitions, innovation challenges, national-level events, and thematic research activities. Their recognitions reflect creativity, applied problem-solving skills, and strong representation of CST and Bhutan in diverse engineering platforms.

Projects & Case Studies

Project-based learning remains a central pillar of the department. Students examine real engineering problems through design tasks, prototyping, fabrication work, CFD analysis, energy studies, and field investigations. These projects encourage practical insight, analytical thinking, and exposure to real-world engineering scenarios.

Sinha, P. K., Agarwal, A., Choden, J., & Loganathan, K. (2025). Optimizing natural ventilation and solar energy integration in G+1 buildings to enhance energy efficiency and comfort. AIP Conference Proceedings, 3342(1), 050006. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0296227

Agarwal, A. (2025). Structural analysis of helical coil suspension using direct optimization technique for enhanced performance. AIP Conference Proceedings, 3342(1), 040001. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0296191

Ilunga, M., Zimbili, O., Mampilo, P., & Agarwal A. (2025). Modelling Student Performance in a Structural Steel Graduate-Based Module: A Comparative Analysis Between K-Nearest Neighbor and Dummy Classifiers. Proceedings of the 16th International Multi-Conference on Complexity, Informatics and Cybernetics: IMCIC 2025, 239–246. https://doi.org/10.54808/imcic2025.01.239

Lugoma, M., Zimbili, A. O., Ilunga, M., Mosia, N., & Agarwal A. (2025). Effect of Data Imbalance in Predicting Student Performance in a Structural Analysis Graduate Attribute-Based Module Using Random Forest Machine Learning. Proceedings of the 16th International Multi-Conference on Complexity, Informatics and Cybernetics: IMCIC 2025, 85–92. https://doi.org/10.54808/imcic2025.01.85

Rimal, A., & Natarajan, V. D. (2024). Comparative analysis of aerodynamic and structural performance of aircraft wings using boron aluminum metal matrix composites and aluminum alloys: A CFD and FSI approach. Precision Mechanics & Digital Fabrication, 1(2), 75–90. https://doi.org/10.56578/pmdf010203

Raparthi, M., Dodda, S. B., Maruthi, S., Keshta, I., & Agarwal, A. (2025). Optimal Cluster and Node Balancing Technique Using K-Mean Based on Q-Learning for Wireless Sensor Network. Intelligent Computing and Networking, 109–121. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-97-8631-2_7

Agarwal A., Agarwal, A., Kumar, P., Kumar, A., & Ghadai, R. K. (2024). Strategic Design Optimization of Cutting Tools for Enhanced Manufacturing Efficiency. Industry 4.0 Driven Manufacturing Technologies, 251–276. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-68271-1_11 

Bhatia, V., Sidharth, S., Khare, S. K., Agarwal, A. (2024). Intelligent Manufacturing in Aerospace: Integrating Industry 4.0 Technologies for Operational Excellence and Digital Transformation. Industry 4.0 Driven Manufacturing Technologies, 389–434. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-68271-1_18 

Agarwal A., Rafael C.B., Gurung A. (2024), Analyzing the Impact of Bumper Height on Pedestrian Injuries using Explicit Dynamics in Kumar, A., Rajak, D.K., Kumar, P., & Rathee, S. (Eds.). (2024). Smart Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Design, Modeling, and Assessment by Industry 4.0 Approaches (1st ed.). Taylor & Francis http://dx.doi.org/10.1201/9781003502470-5.

K. R. Ananth, Sarfraz Fayaz Khan, Agarwal A., Bhatt W. (2024), IOT and Developed Deep learning based Road Accident Detection System and Societal Knowledge Management, in Next Generation Computing and Information Systems; Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Next Generation Computing and Information Systems. Taylor & Francis http://dx.doi.org/10.1201/9781003466383-13

Agarwal A., Rafael C.B., Tashi (2024), Crashworthiness Evaluation of Electric Vehicle Battery Packs Using Honeycomb Structures and Explicit Dynamic Analysis; 5th TALENTA Conference on Engineering, Science and Technology (Medan, Indonesia, March 6 – 7, 2024)- E3S Web of Conference- https://doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202451904010

S. K. Davuluri, S. A. M. Alvi, M. Aeri, Agarwal A., M. Serajuddin and Z. Hasan (2023), “A Security Model for Perceptive 5G-Powered BC IoT Associated Deep Learning,” 2023 International Conference on Inventive Computation Technologies (ICICT), Lalitpur, Nepal, pp. 118-125, doi: 10.1109/ICICT57646.2023.10134487

Rajendran, R. C., Anto, T., Agarwal, A., Ilunga, M., Jayamani, E., & Natarajan, V. D. (2024). Materials synthesis and characterization of nano-titanium carbide-filled Acrylonitrile Butadiene-Styrene polymer composites for electromagnetic interference shielding. Revue des Composites et des Matériaux Avancés, 1958-5799. http://dx.doi.org/10.18280/rcma.340601

Sathish, T., Selvaraju, S., Ahalya, N., Agarwal A. (2024). Exploring waste-derived catalysts for sustainable biodiesel production: a path towards renewable energy. Carbon Lett. (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42823-024-00773-7 

Agarwal, A., Rimal, A., & Ilunga, M. (2024). Non-linear Contact Analysis and Response Surface Optimization of Railway Wheel Using ANSYS. Mathematical Modelling of Engineering Problems, 11(8), 2039–2047. https://doi.org/10.18280/mmep.110805

Agarwal, A, A., Ilunga, M., Tempa, K., & Humagai, B. K. (2024). CFD Analysis of Solar Air Heater Using V-Shaped Artificial Roughness to Attain Heat Transfer Enhancement. International Journal of Energy Production and Management, 9(3), 171–180. https://doi.org/10.18280/ijepm.090306

Rafael C.B., Agarwal A., Adash G., Sarita R., Faisal A., Ajay K. (2024), Enhancing Structural Efficiency of Robotic Arms through Topological and Lattice-Based AM Optimization, Frontiers in Mechanical Engineering. Front. Mech. Eng 10:1422539, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmech.2024.1422539 

Ilunga, M., & Agarwal, A. (2024). A Finite-Element-Analysis-Based Feasibility Study for Optimizing Pantograph Performance Using Aluminum Metal Matrix Composites. Processes, 12(3), 445. https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12030445 

Tempa, K., Ilunga, M., Agarwal, A., & Tashi. (2024). Utilizing Sentinel-2 Satellite Imagery for LULC and NDVI Change Dynamics for Gelephu, Bhutan. Applied Sciences, 14(4), 1578. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14041578 

Seretse, O. M., Agarwal, A., Mmiletsi, U., & Mpho, M. (2024). Urban agriculture empowerment: donkey-driven maize planter for sustainable food production in Sub-Saharan African cities. Advances in Modern Agriculture, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.54517/ama.v4i2.2239

Agarwal A., Batista, R. C. (2023). CFD Analysis of Flow Behavior and Thermal Performance in Single and Multi-Inlet EGR Coolers. International Journal of Heat and Technology, 41(3), 673–678. https://doi.org/10.18280/ijht.410320 

Sinha, P., Agarwal A., Rejeesh, C. R. (2023). Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of the Influence of Openings on Wind Load and Structural Response in Triangular Buildings. Journal of Sustainability for Energy, 2(2), 50–67. https://doi.org/10.56578/jse020202

Agarwal A. (2023); Heat Absorption Performance Enhancement of TES System Using Iron Oxide/Paraffin Wax Composite, Power Engineering and Engineering Thermophysics, 2 (2), ISSN: 2957-9635.https://doi.org/10.56578/peet020202

Linda, M., Agarwal, A., & Sinha, P. (2023). Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Heights for Enhanced Hydrogen Production in Urban Environments. Journal of Intelligent Systems and Control, 2(3), 123–131. https://doi.org/10.56578/jisc020301
Chetan Dorji selected for a highly competitive internship at Airbus India, successfully clearing multiple stages of technical evaluations—a strong reflection of his engineering competence and commitment.
Bishal Mongar earned the Bronze Prize in the Engineers’ Day Video Competition by ASHRAE India Chapter, distinguishing himself among international submissions and representing Bhutan with pride.
Jamyang Choden, former President of ASHRAE-CST Bhutan Student Branch, co-authored a research article published in the AIP Proceedings, highlighting student-led contributions to energy-efficient building design.
Bishal Mongar, Jamyang Choden, and Ahasis represented CST and Bhutan at the REFCOLD Global Poster Design Competition 2025 in New Delhi—the only international team selected—receiving appreciation for technical quality and cultural representation.
Chetan Dorji (Gold), Dipen Subba (Silver), Sangay Tenzin, and Pemba were recognised for their academic excellence by the Mrs. Shashikanta Memorial Foundation through merit awards and distinctions (2025).
Kinga Wangchuk completed a professional internship with the STCBL Automotive Division, gaining experience in engine overhauls, drivetrains, diagnostics, and vehicle maintenance.
Second-Year Mechanical Engineering students secured the Combined Second Position in the “Best of CST” recognition, demonstrating teamwork, creativity, and strong academic engagement.
Kinga Wangchuk also represented the department at the LeadHership Policy-Thon 2025, contributing actively to discussions on policy, leadership, and youth participation.
The ASHRAE-CST Bhutan Student Branch successfully conducted the “Project Decode” workshop, supporting students undertaking both minor and major projects through structured, practical guidance.
Raj Giri and Bishal Mongar participated in Session S3 of the International Conference on Advances and Creations in Mechanical Engineering (ICACME 2025), enhancing their exposure to emerging research themes.
The ASHRAE-CST Bhutan Student Branch received the prestigious ASHRAE Undergraduate Program Equipment Grant 2025 from ASHRAE HQ, USA—an internationally competitive recognition supporting student-led innovation.
Mechanical Engineering students completed a fully funded training program on Technological Advancement in Manufacturing, working closely with department technicians on design, welding, CNC operations, precision machining, and fabrication (18 March 2025).
Participants of the SolidWorks Essentials Bootcamp gained foundational 3D modelling skills for engineering design, strengthening their CAD competency (27 February 2025).
Pemba (Gold), Sherab Dorji, and Chetan Dorji (Silver) received the Academic Excellence Awards 2024 from the Mrs. Shashikanta Memorial Foundation for outstanding performance in Mechanical Engineering.

⭐  For more details, see the News section.

Optimizing Waste Heat Recovery Systems in Industrial Production – Ugyen Ferro Alloys Pvt. Ltd.
By: Pravesh Bhandari & Jiten Sapkota
This study focused on improving energy efficiency by analyzing process heat losses and proposing an optimized waste-heat recovery approach.
Energy Recovery and Waste-Heat Utilization in Ferro Alloy Processing – Ugen Ferro Alloy Pvt. Ltd.
By: Sangay Tenzin & Tenzin Wangda
This study focused on assessing waste-heat streams and identifying practical methods to recover and reuse thermal energy in industrial operations.
Optimization of Waste Heat Recovery from Rotary Kiln Exhaust – Penden Cement Authority Ltd.
By: Cheten Dorji & Ugyen Choeda
This study focused on evaluating rotary-kiln exhaust characteristics and recommending recovery solutions for enhanced thermal performance.
Thermal Efficiency and Heat Recovery in Metal Casting – Bhutan Silicon Metal Pvt. Ltd.
By: Tenzin Wangchuk
This study focused on analyzing casting-process heat losses and proposing recovery strategies to improve overall thermal efficiency.
Waste Heat Recovery from Kilns and Furnaces – Saint-Gobain Ceramic Materials Bhutan Pvt. Ltd.
By: Tshering Dorji & Pema Wangdi
This study focused on reviewing kiln and furnace operations to identify waste-heat recovery potential and energy-saving opportunities.
Waste-Heat Recovery in Electric Resistance Kilns – Saint-Gobain Ceramic Materials Bhutan Pvt. Ltd.
By: Kishor Kumar Ghalley & Kezang Dawa
This study focused on capturing thermal losses from electric kilns and suggesting recovery methods for improved operational efficiency.
Sustainable Cooling and Power Generation for CST Using Reheat Technology
By: Bishal Mongar & Namgyel Pellha
This study focused on exploring reheat-based systems to deliver combined cooling and power solutions for campus sustainability.
Hybrid Integration in Hydropower Plants in Bhutan
By: Mr. Pasang
This study focused on integrating hybrid energy systems within hydropower operations to enhance reliability and renewable-energy utilisation.
Industry Insight Session — Mr. Jaya Raju Namala (Airbus India & South Asia Engineering Centre)
Exposed students and faculty to aircraft modelling, simulation workflows, and structural-integrity concepts linked to real-world aerospace practice.
Practical Skills Workshop
Focused on precision techniques, problem-solving, and translating theoretical learning into applied mechanical work.
Guest Lecture — Er. Abhishek Jain (Director, Air Flow Pvt. Ltd.)
Covered leadership, industry expectations, and goal-driven professional development in engineering careers.
“Design Smart with SolidWorks” — 3-day Workshop
Strengthened CAD modelling skills, design best-practices, and hands-on proficiency for mechanical design projects.
Webinar — “The Power of YOU: Your Winning Code” by Ms. Vandana Kapuria
Motivational session on mindset, emotional intelligence, and personal development for engineering students.
Seminar — “Revolutionizing Healthcare Through Artificial Intelligence”
Explored AI applications in healthcare, emerging challenges, and future opportunities in medical engineering.
Data Analysis Workshop — Aug 29–31, 2025
Three-day SPSS and analytical-skills training supporting research capability and career readiness.
Precision Consultancy Project — Industry Collaboration
Completed end-to-end design, fabrication, and product delivery with an industry partner, demonstrating strong technical skill and professionalism.

⭐  For more details, see the News section.

The department is committed to expanding its research scope through collaborations, upcoming laboratory enhancements, student-driven initiatives, and work aligned with Bhutan’s national priorities. Our long-term vision is to establish a strong, practice-driven research environment that contributes to sustainable engineering solutions and the nation’s growing technological capacity.