AREA OF INTEREST

• Fracture Mecchanics

• Material Testing & Characterization

ABOUT DOCTORAL STUDIES

Thesis Title

Experimental and Computational Investigations on Fracture Behavior of Extra Deep Drawn Steel Sheets in General Yield Regime

Supervisor

Prof. D M Kulkarni, BITS Pilani, K K Birla Goa Campus

About PhD

The research is focused on characterization of sheet metals. Sheet metals are extensively used in forming operations. The fracture limits during forming operations are estimated by using formability approach (Simulative and intrinsic tests). Present study aims to predict most accurate fracture load and critical strain rate using proposed fracture mechanics approach along with formability approach. As a part of the case study, extra deep drawn (EDD) steel sheets are chosen. EDD steel sheets are extensively used in automotive industries. Because of size and properties, EDD steel falls in the regime of general yield.

PROJECTS

List of Completed Projects

1. Fatigue Life Assessment Study of Polymeric materials
   John Deere, Pune | June-2020 to January-2021 | INR 05.90 Lakhs (As a PI)

2. Studies on sustainable eco-friendly solution to replace polyethylene bags/containers used for horticulture applications
   Goa State Biodiversity Board (GSBB) | February- 2021 to July- 2022) | INR One Lakh (As a PI)

List of Ongoing Projects

1. Evaluation of Mechanical Performance of the 3-D Printed PEEK Polymer used in Space Applications
   Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) Banglore | July-2019 to June-2022) | INR 36.29 Lakhs (As a Co-PI)

STUDENTS

PhD Students | Completed

1. Harichandra Chandekar   (Completed on March 1, 2022)
   Supervisor: Dr. Vikas Chaudhari,    Co-Supervisor: Prof. Sachin Waigaonkar
   Thesis Title: Investigation of Mechanical and Creep Behaviour of Jute Fibre-Polypropylene Composites

2. Swadesh Dixit   (Completed on May 18, 2022)
   Supervisor: Dr. Vikas Chaudhari
   Thesis Title:Fracture Behavior of Pressure Vessel Steels Integrated with Novel Heat Treatment Approach and Acoustic Emission Monitoring

PhD Students | Ongoing

1. Investigation of Creep and Fracture Behaviour of Rotationally Mouldable Polypropylene
   Pozhil.S.N | Started in August 2017  |  (As a Co-Supervisor)

2. Evaluation of Mechanical Performance of the 3-D Printed PEEK Polymer used in Space Applications
   Vipin Gupta | Started in January 2020  |  (As a Co-Supervisor)

Higher Degree (HD) & First Degree (FD) Thesis (Completed)

• 05 HD and 01 FD Thesis completed in the area of Fracture Mechanics, Material Characterization and Material Testing