Headline

Structural Analysis Engineer | PhD Aerospace Engineering | Composite Structures | FEA (Abaqus) | Damage & Fracture Mechanics | NDE | Python

About

Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has provided a robust foundation for advancing aerospace engineering research, with a focus on adhesively bonded structures and composite materials. Current work emphasizes non-destructive evaluation (NDE), such as ultrasound testing, X-ray Radiography, Acoustic Emission Testing, and thermography, to explore structural health monitoring (SHM) and interfacial failures in adhesive joints. Proficient in finite element analysis (FEA), mechanics of materials, and experimental methodologies (such as Digital Image Correlation), contributing to advancements in stress analysis and wave propagation studies. Leveraged machine learning tools to classify joint roughness and failure modes, showcasing a commitment to interdisciplinary innovation. Poised to complete a PhD by Dec 2024, motivated to drive impactful solutions in aerospace and manufacturing domains.

Location

Bengaluru

AI stack

claude code

openai

Work experience

Structure Calculation Engineer at Saft, Feb 2026 - Present · 8 mos, Bengaluru, European Horizon HighSpin Project – Composite Battery Enclosure Development. Performed structural substantiation of composite battery enclosure systems using Abaqus/Standard and Abaqus/Explicit under static, impact, and modal loading conditions to evaluate structural integrity and damage behaviour. Designed and optimized composite laminate stacking sequences using Classical Laminate Plate Theory (CLPT), laminate thickness optimization, reserve factor evaluation, and ABD matrix calculations while satisfying structural and manufacturing requirements. Evaluated lightweight composite and metallic materials including CFRP laminates, PyroKarb, PyroSic, aluminium alloys, and structural foam cores for aerospace battery enclosure applications. Developed Excel- and GUI-based engineering tools to automate laminate property calculations, structural design workflows, and engineering documentation, significantly improving engineering efficiency. Collaborated with multidisciplinary European engineering and manufacturing teams on filament winding, composite manufacturing feasibility, material selection, and lightweight structural design within the Horizon HighSpin project. Prepared structural calculation reports, laminate design recommendations, technical documentation, and user manuals supporting engineering design verification and project deliverables.

Doctoral Researcher at Department of Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Aug 2016 - Jul 2025 · 9 yrs, Developed three-dimensional finite element models of adhesively bonded CFRP composite structures using Abaqus and Cohesive Zone Modelling (CZM) to investigate damage initiation, fracture behaviour, and structural integrity. Designed and executed experimental programmes involving Double Cantilever Beam (DCB), End-Notched Flexure (ENF), and Single Lap Joint (SLJ) testing for mechanical characterization and validation of numerical models. Performed full-field strain measurements using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) and correlated experimental observations with finite element predictions to improve model accuracy. Applied Acoustic Emission (AE), Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Infrared Thermography (IRT), and X-ray Radiography (XRT) for structural health monitoring, damage assessment, and non-destructive evaluation of composite bonded structures. Developed machine-learning-assisted structural health monitoring workflows for automated acoustic emission damage classification using Python and MATLAB. Manufactured and characterized CFRP composite laminates using vacuum bagging, hand lay-up, and autoclave processing techniques for experimental investigations. Published four peer-reviewed journal articles and presented six international conference papers in composite structures, fracture mechanics, and non-destructive evaluation. Supervised undergraduate and postgraduate student projects, managed laboratory facilities, and delivered technical demonstrations on composite manufacturing, finite element modelling, and NDE techniques.

Research Scholar at Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Aug 2016 - Dec 2024 · 8 yrs 5 mos, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, • Conducted research on the effect of interface roughness in bonded CFRP joints, performed FEA of joint failures, and conducted mechanical testing including fracture testing. • Demonstrated findings through presentations and provided training to lab members on research methodologies. • Collaborated with team members to analyze results and develop solutions for improving joint strength and durability.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Aerospace engineering, Indian Institute of Science (IISc)

M.Tech., Manufacturing Engineering, National Institute of Technology warangal

Public links

youtube.com: https://youtube.com/@laxmikantmane9019