Research
I try to understand, learn and unlearn many things related to but not restricted to computational Astrophysics. I right now am interested in working in topics related to Star and Planet Formation. Dust (and fluid) dynamics excite me! I have been very fortunate to work with wonderful mentors and researchers that has shaped my mind academically and otherwise!
Projects:
Monte Carlo models for dust growth in protoplanetary disks
Supervisor: Dr Joanna Drążkowska
I work on Monte Carlo simulations to explore dust evolution in protoplanetary disks to find out how the small dust particles organise to subsequently form planetesimals/planets. I am the primary maintainer of the 2D dust growth code mcdust. Please feel free to write to me if you have any questions with mcdust! Relevant papers: Vaikundaraman+2025, Eriksson+2026, Gurrutxaga+2026
Formation of dust traps in magnetised protoplanetary disks
Using mcdust, we modelled the dust growth in dynamics in magentised disks where complex gas flows are common. We see that we can form dust traps without the need of a pressure bump and potentially form planetesimals. Relevant paper: Vaikundaraman+2026
Carbon Destruction in Protoplanetary disks :
Supervisor: Dr. Til Birnstiel
The destruction processes of carbonaceous grains in planet forming disks is still a very open ended question. Using 1-Dimensional Monte Carlo Models of dust coagulation, we are looking at photolysis or the destruction of carbon by UV photons. Relevant publication: Vaikundaraman+2025
Topology and Stochasticity of Turbulent Magnetic Fields :
One of the topics where “ What about magnetic fields? “ is a question that cannot be asked in any seminar. Magnetohydrodynamic turbulence has a wealth of topics at almost all scales in astrophysics. I worked in looking at Magnetic Reconnection and Richardson Diffusion for a simulation and looking at diagnostics for reconnection events. Relevant publications: Jafari+ 2019, Jafari+ 2020, Jafari+ 2020
Study of Binary Star Cluster IC848 :
My first project in astronomy, and I worked on a photometric study of the Heart and Soul Nebula! Using data from surveys like NEWFIRM, 2MASS etc, we resolved the star cluster based on the binary star system in the region. Relevant paper: Damian+2024
For a full list of my publications you can access my ADS library or Google scholar profile in the links given below.