Doctoral Student at University of Rhode Island, United States.
Birendra Chaudhary is a highly skilled mechanical engineer with extensive experience in experimental and numerical methodologies, specializing in advanced mechanical experimentations and 3D printing technologies. His expertise spans innovative design and collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, contributing to solving complex engineering challenges in aviation, naval applications, and materials science. With a focus on developing multifunctional composite materials capable of performing under extreme conditions, Birendra’s research has led to breakthroughs in materials science and engineering. His work is characterized by a systematic, data-driven approach, where his commitment to impactful solutions is evident in both his research and professional contributions.
Profile
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Education
Birendra is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics at the University of Rhode Island (URI), with an expected completion date of December 2024. His dissertation, titled Performance of Multifunctional Composites in Static and Dynamic Conditions, explores the potential of innovative materials in high-performance applications. He has maintained an outstanding GPA of 3.98 throughout his doctoral studies, demonstrating both his academic excellence and dedication to the field. Prior to his Ph.D., Birendra earned his B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Mississippi in 2020, where he graduated summa cum laude with a GPA of 3.93. His undergraduate research and capstone project, Rotary Hammer Test Block, along with his honors thesis, Comparative Analysis and Dynamic Response of Garolites Under Temperature Spectrum Using Low Velocity Impact Test, laid the foundation for his deep involvement in mechanical and materials engineering.
Experience
Birendra has a robust background in research, having worked as a Graduate Research Assistant at the Dynamics PhotoMechanics Laboratory (DPML) at URI since July 2020. In this role, he has led several groundbreaking projects, including the development of a multifunctional carbon fiber composite system capable of instantaneous damage detection under Mach 2 air shock loading. His work on manufacturing multifunctional composites for electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) in collaboration with the US Air Force has enabled power transmission and self-sufficient cooling in high-speed conditions. He also collaborated with the Office of Naval Research to engineer a novel exponential fit-based system capable of predicting material diffusion behavior under rapid water exposure. Birendra has further contributed to the field by optimizing thermoplastic composite structures for long-term seawater exposure, helping to predict implosion collapse pressures. His role in developing textiles with data transfer capabilities and mechanical structures for shock load monitoring reflects his diverse research interests and expertise in applied mechanics and material science.
In addition to his research, Birendra has gained significant teaching experience. He has served as a Course Instructor for MCE 263: Dynamics at URI, where he provided mentorship and academic support to students while delivering lectures on kinetic and kinematic principles. His role as a Teaching Assistant from 2019 to 2023 at both the University of Rhode Island and the University of Mississippi saw him assisting in undergraduate and graduate-level courses with class sizes ranging from 80 to 140 students. Courses he contributed to include Material Science Laboratory, Statics, Engineering Graphics Fundamentals, and Mechanical Engineering Experimentation, where he enhanced students’ understanding of key engineering principles.
Research Interests
Birendra’s research focuses on the design, fabrication, and optimization of multifunctional composite materials, particularly in extreme environments. His expertise lies in the use of advanced mechanical experimentations, such as split Hopkinson pressure bar testing and low-velocity impact testing, to analyze the performance of novel materials under dynamic conditions. His interest in integrating 3D printing and digital image correlation with traditional mechanical testing methods allows him to innovate in the fields of shock load monitoring, failure detection, and underwater implosion. He is also deeply invested in developing textiles with data transmission capabilities and investigating thermoplastic composites’ long-term mechanical performance in marine environments.
Awards
Birendra has been recognized for his academic and research excellence through numerous awards and honors. He is the recipient of the 401 Tech Bridge Rise Up P2P Fellowship for 2023-2024 at the University of Rhode Island, which acknowledges his outstanding research contributions. He also secured the URI Open Access Fund in 2023, reflecting his commitment to disseminating his research to the broader academic community. During his undergraduate years at the University of Mississippi, he was awarded the Dean’s Excellence Award and consistently placed on the Chancellor’s Honor Roll from 2016 to 2020. His summa cum laude distinction further highlights his academic excellence, and he was also a nominee for the prestigious Taylor Medal. Birendra’s membership in honor societies such as Phi Kappa Phi, Tau Beta Pi, and Gamma Beta Phi further attests to his academic and professional achievements.
Publications
Birendra has authored several high-impact journal publications in his field. Some of his key contributions include:
Chaudhary, B., Winnard, T., Oladipo, B., Das, Sumanta, & Matos, H. (2024). “Review of Fiber-Reinforced Composite Structures with Multifunctional Capabilities through Smart Textiles” Textiles. DOI
Matos, H., Ngwa, A., Chaudhary, B., & Shukla, A. (2024). “Review of Implosion Design Considerations for Underwater Composite Pressure Vessels.” Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. DOI
Chaudhary, B., Lyngdoh, G., Owens, J., Das, S., Matos, H. (2024). “An Investigation into the Electromechanical Performance of Textile Fabrics with Conductive Yarn Elements for Data Transfer Capabilities.” Textile Research Journal. DOI
Chaudhary, B., Matos, H., Das, S., Owens, J. (2024). “Multifunctional Composite Structures with Embedded Conductive Yarns for Shock Load Monitoring and Failure Detection.” Smart Materials and Structures. DOI
Lincon, M., Chaudhary, B., Matos, H., Chalivendra, V., Shukla, A. (2024). “Failure Analysis and Piezo-resistance Response of Intralaminar Glass/Carbon Hybrid Composites Under Blast Loading Conditions.” Journal of Engineering Materials and Technology. DOI
Conclusion
Birendra Chaudhary’s track record of innovative research, collaboration with military and naval agencies, and extensive publication history make him a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His focus on solving complex engineering problems through systematic, data-driven approaches aligns well with the criteria for the award. By broadening his interdisciplinary reach and further developing leadership roles, he has the potential to strengthen his standing as an influential researcher in his field.