Gopal Das Email & Phone Number

2006-PresentToward the end of 2006 we started a joint technology development program with MTU, Germany to make gamma TiAl LPT blades for the GTF engines under the NGSA program. So far this program has been progressing well and we have successfully completed spin test of gamma blades and are gearing up to meet the PT6 engine test in the middle of 2010. We have also received TRL4 for this activity. For this program I have provided the heat treatment procedure and demonstrated that shot peening would retard the environmental effects and this has saved the program from elimination. This has been duly acknowledged by Dr. W. Smarsly, MTU Program Manager (letters attached). We have submitted an invention disclosure on this (copies attached). In addition, I have, for the first time, demonstrated that that shot peening of gamma TiAl at elevated temperature is useful in maintaining higher compressive residual stress to a greater depth beneath the shot peened surface compared to ambient temperature shot peening. An invention disclosure is submitted on this (copy attached) and I intend to extend it to our P&W family of metals and alloys. Realizing that the production cost must be reduced in order to be competitive, I have demonstrated a low-cost production route to make LPT gamma blades more than a year ago that yielded mechanical properties within design limits of the LPT blades. An invention disclosure on this is submitted (copy attached). In addition, three more are in preparation- (1) one on discovery of a new phase called Omega phase in TNM gamma alloy, (2) the stability of b/B2(omega) phase in TNM gamma alloy, and (3) thermo-mechanical processing of TNM gamma alloy and heat treatment to develop optimum mechanical properties (rough drafts are attached).

At Metcut-Materials Research I conducted in-house contract research for the Materials Laboratory, WPAFB, Dayton, Ohio in fiber reinforced composites based on titanium alloys and titanium aluminide matrices (IMI 829, Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al,  21S, Ti3Al & TiAl). The research activities include: fabrication of composites, materials characterization of fiber, matrix (rapidly solidified powder and foil) and reaction zone, determination of mechanical properties of composites, and evaluation of environmental effects such as oxygen and hydrogen on composites. The results of various investigations were presented in numerous conferences and published in journals and conference proceedings. In addition, posters on our work were submitted for international metallographic contest organized by International Metallurgical Society and our entries were placed in the first, second, and third positions including honorable mention over several years (copies attached).

At the invitation of Super Semi Conductor (P) Ltd., Calcutta, I helped establish a facility to manufacture silicon single crystals and wafers (first of its kind in India) as the chief technical expert. A small in-house research group was formed under my leadership. This facility went into commercial production in 1983. As recognition of my contribution I received the most coveted ELCINA award in the area of R&D from the Govt. of India (copy attached).

Doctor Of Philosophy (Phd), Metallurgical Engineering

Activities and Societies: ASM, TMS

Master Of Science (M.S.), Metallurgical Engineering

Bachelor Of Science (B.S.), Metallurgical Engineering