Research Experience

Undergraduate Researcher - Unsteady Flow Interactions Laboratory

Nov 2023 – Present

I work in the Unsteady Flow Interactions Laboratory under Prof. Keith Moored on the development of a Cyber-Physical Fluid Dynamics (CPFD) platform for studying wave-assisted propulsion and fluid-structure interactions.

The CPFD system integrates a robotic experimental testbed with real-time simulation, enabling rapid testing of different physical scenarios. Using a force sensor and encoder feedback, the system allows us to model an oscillating hydrofoil as a virtual mass–spring–damper system, where stiffness and damping parameters can be programmatically adjusted.

This approach enables us to:

• Replicate physical dynamics through real-time control and feedback
• Test a wide range of conditions without rebuilding hardware
• Simultaneously compare simulated and experimental responses

The platform acts as a hardware-in-the-loop system, allowing direct validation of fluid–structure interaction models and accelerating experimental iteration.

Pitch and Heave Setup

I designed and built a 2-DOF pitch-and-heave experimental setup for controlled testing of flapping hydrofoil propulsion in a water-channel environment.

The system features:

• Accurate closed-loop PID control for prescribed motion profiles
• Integration with the cyber-physical framework for dynamic parameter tuning
• High-precision sensing for capturing hydrodynamic forces and motion response

I modeled and fabricated the system using SolidWorks, CNC machining, waterjet cutting, and 3D printing, and integrated actuators, linear guides, and sensors into a fully functional test platform.

This setup enables investigation of:

• Propulsion efficiency and thrust generation
• Coupled heave–pitch dynamics
• Fluid–structure interaction effects in bio-inspired propulsion systems

Conference Presentations:

• Mukhamejanov, A., Ardic, A., & Moored, K. (2025).
  Uncovering the Fluid–Structure Interactions of Wave-Assisted Propulsion via Cyber-Physical Fluid Dynamics.
  APS Division of Fluid Dynamics (DFD), Houston, TX

• Mukhamejanov, A., Ardic, A., & Moored, K. (2025).
  Design and Validation of a Cyber-Physical Fluid Dynamics System for Bio-Inspired Propulsion Studies.
  ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress & Exposition (IMECE), Memphis, TN
  Best Undergraduate Research Poster Award (1/80+ posters)

Research Intern - Aerotargets International

May 2024 – Aug 2024

LOCOST UAV Wind Tunnel Test Program

I worked on the Wind Tunnel Test Program for the LOCOST UAV with AeroTargets International, focusing on improving aerodynamic performance.

I designed and refined the test setup, supported instrumentation using a six-axis force/torque sensor, and assisted in wind tunnel operation and testing.

The collected aerodynamic data informed design improvements, contributing to a 10% reduction in drag and overall performance optimization of the UAV.

Undergraduate Researcher - Nano Human Interfaces Presidential Initiative

Sep 2023 – May 2024

Nanoscale Topography of Perovskite Solar Cells

I worked on a VR/AR/XR visualization project focused on representing nanoscale surface features of perovskite solar cells using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) data.

My role involved developing 3D CAD-based models from AFM datasets and building an interactive augmented reality system that allows users to explore surface topography in an intuitive, immersive way.

This work enhanced visualization of nanoscale structures and supported improved understanding of surface-dependent performance in renewable energy devices.