Mr. Sergios Villette | Mechanical Engineering | Best Researcher Award

MEng, PhD Candidate Researcher, LTT/NTUA, Greece

Alexandros Alexiou is a mechanical engineer and researcher specializing in sustainable aviation fuel technologies and aeroengine combustion modeling. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), focusing on the experimental evaluation and modeling of alternative fuels in aircraft engines. His research involves aeroengine combustion chamber modeling, uncertainty quantification in aerodynamics, and innovative propulsion systems. Alexandros has collaborated on major projects with industry leaders such as SAFRAN Group and HELPE Group. With expertise in CFD simulations, mechanical design, and programming, he has contributed to the advancement of bio-kerosene utilization and non-conventional combustion. He has published in peer-reviewed journals, including Aerospace, where his work was featured on the journal cover. In addition to his research, he has experience as a tutor, robotics teacher, and machinist, demonstrating his diverse technical and academic expertise.

Profile.

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Education

Alexandros Alexiou is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), focusing on sustainable aviation fuel technologies in aircraft propulsion systems. His doctoral research is funded by NTUA’s Special Account for Research Grants Scholarship. He holds a Master’s & Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from NTUA, specializing in Air and Ground Transfer Vehicles, with a GPA of 7.8/10. During his undergraduate studies, he conducted a diploma thesis on aerodynamic uncertainty quantification at the Parallel CFD & Optimization Unit (PCOpt) of LTT/NTUA, utilizing OpenFOAM and in-house codes. He completed his high school education at the 2nd General Lyceum of Corfu, achieving a GPA of 19.3/20. His strong academic foundation in aerodynamics, propulsion, and computational simulations has prepared him for cutting-edge research in aviation fuels, energy efficiency, and combustion modeling.

Experience 

Alexandros Alexiou is a Research Associate at the Laboratory of Thermal Turbomachines (LTT), NTUA, specializing in aeroengine combustion modeling and alternative fuel technologies. His research includes developing PROOSIS models for water evaporation and hydrogen combustion in collaboration with SAFRAN Group. He has also worked on the Lipid4fuel project, investigating bio-kerosene use in aircraft engines. Beyond research, Alexandros has diverse professional experience. He worked as a freelance tutor for engineering courses, a STEM/robotics teacher for primary school students, and a restaurant waiter during summer seasons. His technical background includes hands-on experience as a welder-machinist at Machine Shop L. Zorbas, gaining practical skills in mechanical fabrication. His expertise in CFD simulations, mechanical design, and programming allows him to contribute effectively to the advancement of sustainable aviation fuels and innovative propulsion systems. His interdisciplinary approach bridges engineering theory and practical applications in aviation and energy research.

Awards & Honors 

Alexandros Alexiou has received multiple prestigious awards in science and engineering competitions. In 2015, he was honored by the Association of Greek Chemists for his outstanding performance in the 29th National Chemistry Competition, securing an 85/100 score. In 2015, he placed 20th in the “Aristotle” National Physics Competition, earning recognition from the Association of Greek Physicists. He also received an award from the Hellenic Mathematical Society for his success in the “Thalis” National Mathematical Competition in 2014, showcasing his analytical and problem-solving skills. In addition to academic awards, he holds a DALF C2 certification in French from the Ministère de l’Éducation Nationale de la République Française and a Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) from the University of Cambridge, demonstrating bilingual proficiency. His achievements reflect a strong foundation in STEM disciplines, positioning him as a rising expert in mechanical engineering and aviation research.

Research Focus 

Alexandros Alexiou’s research focuses on sustainable aviation fuel technologies, aeroengine combustion modeling, and uncertainty quantification in aerodynamics. His Ph.D. work at NTUA involves experimental evaluation and modeling of biofuels and hydrogen-based propulsion systems, aiming to develop eco-friendly alternatives to conventional jet fuels. He specializes in computational fluid dynamics (CFD), chemical reactor networks, and non-intrusive uncertainty quantification for optimizing aircraft engine performance and emissions reduction. His expertise extends to hydrogen combustion modeling, bio-kerosene integration, and advanced propulsion systems. Alexandros has actively contributed to industry-driven projects, including SAFRAN’s PROOSIS modeling for hydrogen combustion and the Lipid4fuel project, a collaborative effort to assess bio-kerosene applications in aviation. His research integrates simulation tools such as OpenFOAM, ANSYS, and Cantera with experimental testing and industrial collaboration, driving innovation in green aviation technologies. His work aims to shape the future of sustainable air transportation and next-generation propulsion systems.

Publications

📖 Villette S, Adam D, Alexiou A, Aretakis N, Mathioudakis K. A Simplified Chemical Reactor Network Approach for Aeroengine Combustion Chamber Modeling and Preliminary Design. Aerospace. 2024; 11(1):22. 🔗 DOI (🌟 Journal Cover Feature)

📜 Diploma Thesis: Non-intrusive Polynomial Chaos Expansion for Aerodynamic Uncertainty Quantification & Robust Design with Manufacturing Uncertainties. Advisor: K. C. Giannakoglou, NTUA (2022).

Conclusion

The candidate demonstrates exceptional research potential in mechanical engineering and sustainable aviation fuels, making them a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. Their work in combustion chamber modeling, bio-kerosene usage, and computational mechanics aligns with cutting-edge research trends.