Graduate / Essay about my aspiration to study MS in Simulation Science ( focussing only on technical skills ) [10]

The ensuring statement of purpose is meant to put forth my desire to pursue the Master's Degree program in Simulation Science at your esteemed university, as well as description of relevant experience to the program. I strongly believe that both my educational background and deep concern in this field of study make me a very good candidate for the program

During my final semester of Bachelor degree program, I received an opportunity for Summer Research Program at "International Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New material" which is an Autonomous Research and Development centre of Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. During the Research Program, I have carried out a project work on Thermal analysis of a cylindrical lithium-ion battery in Centre of Automobile Energy Materials. The main purpose of the project is to calculate the amount of heat generation in a lithium ion cell during operation, also to find the factors that cause for the heat generation inside lithium ion cell. I was assigned to work under a scientist Dr.R.Prakash who was working on the project. As I was from Mechanical Engineering background I found this project very challenging and also interesting, because the problem dealt with an interdisciplinary approach. From this project work, I gained practical knowledge from various disciplinary. For example applied chemistry, Heat transfer and applied mathematics specifically differential equations for designing the cylindrical cell. Apart from theoretical calculations, I also tried to simulate a lithium ion cell using some software. For this reason I also learned a software called ANSYS FLUENT from colleagues which was very helpful to carry out my project work. Not only I enjoyed completely working with people from various backgrounds; but also I realized the importance of interdisciplinary approach. Till that time I had an idea of working with an industry as soon as I completed my bachelor degree, but after finishing this research program I really understood the great demand for graduate with an interdisciplinary knowledge. So wholeheartedly I decided to pursue master degree in the field of Simulation Science.

In my country India, studies are inclined towards theoretical approach rather than practical approach but I prefer to study practically with an international environment. While looking at prospective universities, I found RWTH Aachen in DAAD website. The course Simulation science which is offered by RWTH Aachen appealed to me in particular because of the optimum combinations of mathematics, programming and wide range of modules offered. I am looking forward to study fluid mechanics, Heat transfer as these subjects have uniquely appealed to me since my undergraduate days. Further I am very pleased to see these subjects computational propulsion design, Aerothermal design of space transportation systems that are offered in the supplementary modules.

I received my Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Government College of Technology Coimbatore (South India). Throughout my under graduation studies I was consistently performed well. I would like to mention that I stood 3rd in a batch of 142 students who studied Mechanical Engineering with me. I also proved my technical acumen by securing 91 percentile in Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE-2015).

I have contributed to not only academics but also to campus culture. During second year (2013), a team of 10 members from my college were selected for National level design competition called EFFI-CYCLE which is an intercollegiate design competition for undergraduate engineering students where teams have to design and fabricate an energy efficient Hybrid human powered- three wheeled-electric vehicle. I was one of the ten members also represented the team. We designed the highly engineered vehicle aerodynamically and ergonomically using the software called Pro-E. As I am interested in computer simulation, I took responsibility for analyzing the vehicle. Using static structural analysis and load impact analysis concepts, I calculated total deformation, stress and strain that is formed during static and dynamic loads. I used the software ANSYS APDL to evaluate the results. I believe that, this experience will help me to understand the basic concepts in Finite Element Analysis.

Further, I got an opportunity to do my Bachelor thesis at an industry. As I interested in computer simulation, I selected an interesting project on "Study and Analysis of T91 tube to tube weld welded by Pulsed Gas Metal Arc Welding". I carried this project at the High Pressure Boiler Plant {HPBP) aided by the Welding Research Institute (WRI) present within the facility. I analyzed the weld strength by conducting various experimental tests, using ANSYS I simulated thermal stress produced at various regions of weld specimen. For my bachelor thesis I secured 10/10 is worth mentioning.

Even though I studied Mechanical Engineering, I am aware of programming. During my second year of bachelor program I studied C and C++ as a part of curriculum. I am fond of coding and debugging and this interest led me to learn a language Python.

I realize the highly competitive demands of the program, but I have the ability, ambition and motivation to exceed the requirements and to excel at the university. I am eager to gain new experiences, and, in my opinion, this program is the best way to achieve that. I am positive that RWTH Aachen and especially the M.Sc. Simulation Science would be the ideal platform jumpstart my career in the right direction. As an individual I am always ready to learn new things, especially those that represent a challenge for me. My zeal to learn along with my desire to strive for my goals would place me as an ideal candidate for Master's Program in Simulation Science. It would a great honor to study at your esteemed institution.