Metodi Zlatinov

Metodi Zlatinov has a wealth of experience in mechanical engineering. Metodi began their career in 2006 as an Experimental Research Assistant at Princeton University Fluids Laboratory, where they investigated secondary flow structures downstream of a 90° pipe bend at high Reynolds numbers, using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). During their time there, they designed and installed a new test section for the experiment, completed rig shakedown, and collected and analyzed first sets of PIV data. In 2008, they took on the role of Designer/Machinist at Princeton University, where they designed, built, and tested a 100kW micro gas turbine as part of an independent thesis. Metodi tore down a catastrophically damaged micro gas turbine, redesigned and machined a new centrifugal compressor, created a novel starter and clutch system, and re-balanced rotor. Metodi also installed temperature, pressure, flow rate, shaft speed and vibration diagnostic equipment, and integrated with custom signal amplification circuitry and LabVIEW data acquisition system. In 2009, Metodi became a Graduate Researcher at MIT, where they investigated aerodynamic loss mechanisms in an axial turbine, using CFD. During their time there, they produced two journal papers, one of which was awarded a Best Paper Award by the International Gas Turbine Institute. Metodi also identified three distinct mechanisms for generating loss due to secondary coolant flows. In 2011, they began working as a Mechanical Engineer at Altran North America, where they were responsible for structural analysis of power plant piping and pressure vessels in accordance with the ASME codes, as well as failure analysis of nuclear power plant components and screening and analysis for Flow Accelerated Corrosion (FAC) in power plants. In 2013, Metodi joined GE Aviation as a Lead Engineer, where they pushed the boundaries of state of the art Computational Fluid Dynamics (URANS and LES) to develop advanced technologies for cooling gas turbine components, improve cycle efficiency and increasing durability for the next generation of aircraft engines. Metodi also mentored colleagues and led a team to identify and pursue new research and design opportunities. Metodi spearheaded the successful development of an industry-leading process for shape optimization, using automated high fidelity CFD, design of experiment, statistical metamodeling and a genetic algorithm. In 2017, Metodi began working at Natel Energy as a Senior Mechanical Engineer, where they worked with a team of talented engineers to develop a novel hydraulic turbine, enabling cost-effective production of clean energy from low head resources, while benefiting the health of watershed ecosystems and the communities who surround them. Theirresponsibilities included conceptual and detailed design of the turbine, as well as comprehensive design of hydroelectric power plants. Currently, Metodi is a Senior Mechanical Engineer at ERG Materials & Aerospace Corporation, where they research, designs, and develops engineering applications based on open celled metal, carbon and ceramic foams. These applications include high performance heat exchangers, energy absorbers, air-oil separators, optics, electrodes and more.

Metodi Zlatinov attended Beijing World Youth Academy from 2003 to 2005, where they obtained an International Baccalaureate Diploma. Metodi then attended Princeton University from 2005 to 2009, where they earned a BSE in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, and a Material Science Certificate. Finally, they attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology from 2009 to 2011, where they earned an SM in Aeronautics and Astronautics.