Prabhakar Rao Email & Phone Number

I am a research engineer/scientist with RTX Technology Research Center (RTRC). I have over 15 years of experience in research and development in the field of mechanics of high-temperature materials and structures. My expertise encompasses multi-scale and multi-physics modeling of Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs) and Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs) under thermo-mechanical loading conditions including dynamic impact, damage and fracture mechanics and fatigue.As part of my research portfolio, I have developed computational protocols to predict and experimentally validate the inter-laminar fatigue behavior of laminated composites and quasi-static indentation response of three-dimensional reinforced PMCs. Furthermore, I have successfully incorporated multi-scale modeling techniques within multi-physics models of composite structures, wherein the structural models were driven by process models. The parameterized tool sets developed as part of this effort have been applied in the structural optimization of composite structures.Within the realm of impact dynamics, I am experienced in modeling ballistic impact onto woven Kevlar fabrics, wave propagation through sandwich composite structures and temporal response of adhesively bonded joints. I have also developed methods to incorporate cohesive zone modeling techniques to predict the damage and failure of lightweight composite structures under quasi-static, fatigue and impact loading conditions. Additionally, I am well-versed with simulating Compression After Impact (CAI) tests and performing thermo-structural modeling of advanced composite and metallic structures.Overall, I have a broad research base in various aspects of the mechanics of advanced high-temperature materials supported by proficiency in state-of-the-art finite element modeling software such as ABAQUS, and LS-DYNA.

Listed skills include Finite Element Analysis, Composites, Abaqus, Fortran, and 21 others.