Heat and Energy
in Aerospace Engineering

In our laboratory, we pursue a new world
where heat and energy are intelligently controlled and harnessed,
with “nanomaterials,” “phase interfaces,” and “MEMS technologies”
as our key research keywords.

Thermal and energy-related technologies have long been essential in aerospace engineering—and their importance is growing even further today.

In space, where there is virtually no “heat sink,” advanced thermal control is indispensable to keep spacecraft such as space stations and satellites within safe temperature ranges.
On Earth, toward a carbon-neutral society, intensive efforts are underway worldwide to develop hydrogen-powered aircraft and electric aircraft.
In these next-generation platforms, practical implementation will critically depend on thermal management of hydrogen fuel systems, batteries, and electric motors.

Energy self-sufficiency is also a central challenge for isolated environments such as space.
Beyond improving the performance of solar cells and fuel cells, there is a constant demand for novel power-generation concepts that effectively utilize waste heat and surrounding environmental energy.

Nanotechnology is a major driver of innovation in controlling and utilizing heat and energy.
In our laboratory, we experimentally investigate fundamental yet unresolved problems in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and energy engineering—especially heat and mass transport at nanometer scales—by combining MEMS-based devices and sensors with lasers and advanced microscopy/measurement techniques.

Research Highlights

・Thermophysical property measurements of low-dimensional and nanostructured materials (e.g., 2D materials)
・Nanoscale observation and characterization of phase interfaces (solid–liquid, liquid–vapor, etc.)

Measurement of thermophysical characteristics
of two-dimensional materials

Nanoscale observation of the phase interfaces


　Our current research is focused on experimental elucidation of unsettled problems about heat transfer and fluid mechanics, especially nanometer-order heat and mass transport problems, by means of MEMS technology, laser and advanced microscopies.

　For example, using sensors designed and fabricated in our laboratory, we can measure the thermal conductivity of individual nanomaterials with characteristic sizes below 100 nm. We also evaluate interfacial heat transfer (thermal boundary resistance) between nanomaterials and substrates using Raman-based methods.

　It is well known that when the size of a solid material is reduced to the nanometer scale, its physical properties can change dramatically—and this is also true for fluids. Motivated by this, we investigate the properties and underlying physics of nanoscale droplets and bubbles, including nanobubbles.

　The interaction at material–fluid interfaces can strongly determine device performance, yet many aspects remain unclear and scientifically intriguing. Our interests include energy conversion concepts that utilize charge transport at solid–liquid interfaces, as well as drag reduction strategies that exploit slip and related interfacial flow phenomena.

　Through understanding and applying heat and flow phenomena at the nanoscale, we aim to establish knowledge and design principles that significantly improve the performance and reliability of systems and devices, including aerospace vehicles.　

We are seeking Ph. D. Students to study in our lab. via Research Assistant System.

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