Our Research Team and Advisors

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Dr. Rabi Mehta, Experimental Fluid Dynamics

I am a research scientist in the Fluid Mechanics Laboratory at NASA Ames Research Center. My background is in experimental research of fluid flows as applied to the field of aeronautics --- this subject is popularly known as aerodynamics. I did all my schooling in England. My undergraduate degree was in aeronautical engineering after which I went to graduate school at Imperial College in London where I specialized in fluid mechanics with emphasis on turbulence (yes, the same stuff you often experience on airplanes).

I loved sports from the time I started elementary school in Nairobi, Kenya (Kenya lies on the east coast of Africa). Since Kenya was a British Colony at the time, we were mainly exposed to British sports such as soccer, and my favorite, cricket. I played cricket all through high school and college and at one time I wanted to become a professional cricket player in England. However, I was smart enough to listen to my father's advice and I decided to educate myself instead. I was lucky enough to be able to play cricket even out here in California.

While at graduate school, I decided to apply my knowledge of aerodynamics to cricket and I wrote an article on the "Aerodynamics of a Cricket Balls" which received extensive publicity amongst the cricketing countries. As a follow on, during my last couple of years at Imperial College, we started an experimental project on cricket ball aerodynamics. Basically, we wanted to study how a cricket ball curves through the air (much like a curve ball in baseball) and what parameters can affect its flight. We conducted flow visualization studies and measured surface pressures and aerodynamic forces by projecting spinning cricket balls into a wind tunnel. That is how I got started in this exciting field. After I moved to California, I also looked at the aerodynamics of baseballs and golf balls. I consult regularly with golf companies on various issues regarding golf ball and golf club aerodynamics. I am familiar with all kinds of sports balls and their aerodynamics and I have written several articles on the subject. Currently, I am writing a book on "The Aerodynamics of a Cricket Ball" and I have a prototype design of a cricket ball which is being tested in England. The unique feature of my design is that the ball can be made to swing quite easily and hence the name: "Happy Swinger".