Find something that you can only do now, something that piques your interest, and put your all into it.

I chose this department because I’ve been interested in manufacturing since I was young. Among them, I chose my laboratory because I was interested in large machinery and because of the extensive range of experimental equipment available. Additionally, the laboratory is actively involved in collaborative research, which I believed would provide me with many opportunities for growth. Although I am a member of group that perform numerical analysis only, I am satisfied because I can also interact with large experimental equipment through assisting with experiments.

We are conducting joint research with a company on the relationship between the air flow field inside a butt-pole type synchronous generator and its cooling performance. Synchronous generators are used as turbine generators in many places, such as thermal and hydroelectric power plants, and in recent years, further increase in output and capacity is required to meet the growing demand for electric power. At the same time, detailed estimation of temperature distribution and improvement of cooling performance at the design stage have become technical issues to prevent excessive temperature rise associated with these applications. To solve these issues, it is important to understand the temperature distribution and cooling air flow inside the synchronous generator. However, there are very few research reports on actual measurement and numerical fluid analysis of the entire synchronous generator because the inside of the generator has complex branching channels and the rotor rotates at a high speed. Therefore, safety is currently ensured by designing a generator with a large margin for the heat resistance temperature of its components. However, it is important to investigate the flow and temperature fields in a synchronous generator in detail in order to achieve higher output and capacity. Therefore, we are studying the relationship between the internal flow and temperature structure of synchronous generators using fluid/heat transfer coupled analysis, and based on this relationship, we are optimizing the geometry of synchronous generator machines to improve cooling performance.

The Department of Applied Mechanics and Aerospace Engineering is attractive because it allows us to study a wide range of fields related to machinery, such as heat, fluids, materials, and structures. Among these, our laboratory focuses on the fluid dynamics. I am attracted by the fact that it has well-equipped experimental facilities and a supportive environment for pursuing what I want to do. The close proximity to the faculty members and the good relationships among the lab members are also appealing. Last summer, a few students and our advisor enjoyed “nagashi-somen” together. Additionally, we often have afternoon coffee breaks, where we can talk casually with the faculty, creating an environment where it is easy to seek advice when stuck in research.

＊”Nagashi-somen” refers to a Japanese summer tradition where thin wheat noodles (somen) are served flowing down a bamboo flume filled with cold water, and participants catch the noodles with chopsticks as they flow by.

I have been working part-time for four years assisting individuals with severe physical disabilities. Although this job is quite uncommon, it has been a valuable experience allowing me to engage with a world I was previously unaware of. The person I assist uses a custom-made electric wheelchair, which has many aspects that are intriguing to me as someone in the field of mechanical engineering. Additionally, I have broadened my knowledge by attending exhibitions and conferences related to disability welfare.

I want to investigate my current research topic in more detail. Recently, I have begun researching a different model of synchronous machine from the one I previously studied. While the general shape remains the same, the details of the design differ. I aim to understand how these differences in design affect the airflow and cooling performance. As for my future career path, I aspire to create a more comfortable society for many people by improving the quality of essential services. I am interested in working on building social infrastructure, such as utilities, that are indispensable for our daily life.

There are various types of people: those with clear goals, those who live spontaneously, and those who are swept along by others around them. In the past, I was a person without a strong will, easily swayed by those around me. However, as I progressed through job hunting, I realized what I truly care about. If I could give advice to my past self, who lived inertia-driven without much thought, I would say, “Find things you can only do now and pursue them wholeheartedly, even if they only slightly pique your interest.” Please live your life in a way that you won’t regret.