Young scientists from the Institute of Aerospace Engineering and the Institute of Engine and Power Plant Engineering at Samara University participated in the 52nd International Youth Scientific Conference “Gagarin Readings,” organized by the Moscow Aviation Institute (MAI).
Widely recognized as Russia’s leading expert forum for emerging talent, the “Gagarin Readings” bring together the brightest minds to shape the future of aviation, space exploration, and high-tech industry.
Representing Samara University in person with oral presentations were twelve young researchers:
- Ilya Zheleznov (4th-year PhD student) – “Application of Neural Networks in Forming Modular Cargo Flows for a Manned Orbital Station”
Supervisor: Prof. V. V. Salmin, Department of Spacecraft Engineering
- Aleksey Yakimov (1st-year PhD student, Teaching Assistant, Dept. of Turbomachinery and Aircraft Engines – TDLE) – “Feasibility Study of Scaling Blade Machinery for Small Gas Turbine Engines”
Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. V. M. Zubanov, TDLE
- Konstantin Tsapenkov (4th-year PhD student, Design Engineer, Engineering Center) – “Theoretical Foundations and Kinetic Mechanisms for Using Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) in Gas Turbine Engines”
Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. I. A. Zubrilin, Dept. of Heat Engineering and Thermal Engines
- Warem Alaa Eddin (1st-year PhD student) – “Kinetic Models of NH₃/H₂ Combustion Mixtures: A Brief Review and Validation”
Supervisor: Prof. S. G. Matveev, Dept. of Heat Engineering and Thermal Engines
- Valery Kuznetsov (BEng student, Group 2408-240502D) – “Conjugate Simulation of SGTE Impellers to Determine Thermal State”
Supervisor: Teaching Assistant S. A. Melnikov, TDLE
- Dmitry Rodimov (BEng student, Group 2408-240502D) – “Computational Studies to Optimize Numerical Model Settings for Analyzing Pulse Detonation Combustor Performance”
Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. V. M. Zubanov, TDLE
- Ksenia Kalinina (BEng student, Group 2508-240502D) – “Analysis of Existing Exhaust System Designs and Profiling of a Subsonic Nozzle for SGTE”
Supervisor: Teaching Assistant A. E. Yakimov, TDLE
- Anna Surkova (BEng student, Group 2307-240502D) – “Optimization of a Dual-Fuel Combustion Chamber Using Numerical Simulation”
Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. I. A. Zubrilin, Dept. of Heat Engineering and Thermal Engines
- Nikita Abdrashitov (BEng student, Group 2505-240502D) – “Study of Hydrogen Additives on Laminar Flame Speed of n-Decane”
Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. D. V. Idrisov, Dept. of Heat Engineering and Thermal Engines
- Evgeny Gan (BEng student, Group 2418-240502D) – “Impact of Career Guidance Activities on School Students’ Interest in Engineering Careers”
Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. D. V. Idrisov
- Mikhail Kozeev (BEng student, Group 2318-240502D) – “Effect of Hydrogen Additives on Flame Blowout in a Swirl-Stabilized Combustion Chamber”
Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. D. V. Idrisov
- Alexander Karpov (BEng student, Group 2318-240502D) – “Hydro- and Pneumatic Shot Peening as Surface Hardening Methods for Machine Components”
Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. D. V. Idrisov
“The Gagarin Readings left a powerful impression on me,” shared Aleksey Yakimov. “It was inspiring not only to present my own research but also to listen to peers from different universities and scientific fields. The atmosphere was truly special—you could feel that this is a place where science, engineering thinking, and the drive for progress are genuinely valued. This trip gave me fresh ideas, new connections, and renewed motivation to keep advancing in my research.”
Award Winners from Samara University:
- Section: Software Development, Machine Learning & AI
1st Place – Ilya Zheleznov
- Section: Thermophysics and Thermal Processes in Engines & Power Systems
(Subsection: Aircraft Engines & Power Plants)
1st Place – Anna Surkova
3rd Place – Mikhail Kozeev
- Section: Sociocultural Trends, HR Innovations & Engineering Competencies in the Context of Technological Change
(Subsection: Economics & Management in the Aerospace Industry)
1st Place – Evgeny Gan
Abstracts of all presentations will be published in the Conference Proceedings, indexed in the Russian Science Citation Index (RSCI).
Text and photo by Aleksey Yakimov
