Turbine Blade Tip Cooling and Heat Transfer

ii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Behind every success, there is inspiration or support of at least one person. In my case, it was a group of people including my mentor, my family, and my friends. First of all, I would like to thank Dr. Srinath Ekkad for his guidance, wisdom, and financial support. I do not think many advisors would go to the lab to help his student running an experiment. Whenever I had any problem, I knew I could talk to him and he would help me to find a solution. It was no wonder that I started as a Masters student and decided to finish my Ph.D. with him. I was one of his first two students and over the years what Dr. Ekkad would like to say 'grew old together'. Also, we become more like friends and I will cherish this friendship for my whole life. I could not ask for a better mentor. I especially want to thank my lovely wife Lubna for being in the lab with me during all late nights and long weekends. She literally helped me running some of my experiments. Without her love and support all the accomplishment in the world would mean nothing to me. I also must thank all of my lab mates, both past and present. Special thanks go out for their help and valuable suggestions on many occasions. Without their help, it would have been difficult to finish many of my tasks. I also would like to thank them to make my stay in the lab more enjoyable. Last and certainly not least, I have to thank my parents for their unconditional support and encouragement. They played a crucial part throughout my educational journey. Whenever I began to falter, they were there to reassure me and give me the confidence I needed to continue. They made many sacrifices and on many occasions, went beyond their limit to help me. I cannot over emphasize their role in my life and thank them enough. I am lucky to have such wonderful parents. Finally, I would like to thank my brothers, Robin, Shantunu and Rahat for their love and affection.