Kuldeep Yadav | Fracture Mechanics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Kuldeep Yadav | Fracture Mechanics | Best Researcher Award

Research Scholar at Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi

Dr. Kuldeep Yadav is a dynamic researcher specializing in Additive Manufacturing, Shock and Impact Mechanics, and Advanced Composite Materials. Born on December 14, 1993, he earned his Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi under the mentorship of Prof. Vikrant Tiwari. His research delves into high-strain-rate material behavior, digital image correlation, and fracture mechanics, with significant contributions to experimental and computational mechanics. Dr. Yadav has developed unique experimental facilities, including a tensile-SHPB and a double-stage shock tube, and has authored multiple impactful publications and a patent. A hands-on engineer and scientist, he bridges numerical simulations with real-world mechanical systems, often utilizing advanced tools such as ABAQUS, MATLAB, and high-speed imaging systems. His passion for materials science and structural resilience is driven by a vision to innovate in aerospace, defense, and automotive sectors. He continues to contribute as a thought leader in experimental mechanics and composite structures.

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

🎓 Education

Dr. Kuldeep Yadav holds a Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics (2017–2024) from IIT Delhi, where he worked on mechanical characterization and shock response of Aluminium 2014-T6 and additively manufactured composites. He earned his M.Tech. in Applied Mechanics from MNNIT Allahabad (2015–2017), graduating second in his class with a dissertation focused on ballistic impact response of Kevlar fabrics. Prior to that, he completed his B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering from YMCA University of Science and Technology, Faridabad, with a solid CGPA and a foundational understanding of design and mechanics. His academic journey began with exceptional performance in intermediate and high school, earning top honors in both (91.8% and 87.2% respectively). With consistently high performance, GATE qualifications, and competitive fellowships from MHRD, Dr. Yadav’s academic background has laid a strong foundation for his contributions to experimental solid mechanics, finite element analysis, and advanced composite research.

💼 Experience

Dr. Yadav brings in-depth academic and hands-on experimental experience in mechanical and materials engineering. At IIT Delhi, he led the design and fabrication of advanced testing setups, including a tensile split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) and a double-stage shock tube. He has worked on material characterization of aluminium alloys under quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions and extensively studied additively manufactured composites using carbon and Kevlar fibers. His expertise includes inter-laminar fracture behavior, impact analysis, and shock loading evaluations with customized simulations using ABAQUS (VUMAT). He also contributed significantly to the ballistic and shock response modeling of Kevlar fabrics during his M.Tech. at MNNIT. Skilled in CAD (CATIA, SolidWorks), FEA (ABAQUS, ANSYS), CFD, and high-speed imaging systems, Dr. Yadav has effectively combined experimental design, numerical modeling, and programming. His research experience positions him as an expert in high-strain-rate mechanics and multi-material interaction.

🏅 Awards and Honors

Dr. Kuldeep Yadav has been the recipient of several prestigious awards and scholarships throughout his academic journey. He was awarded the EarlyDoc Fellowship (June–August 2024) by IIT Delhi’s Industrial Research and Development (IRD) unit, recognizing his doctoral research contributions. During his Ph.D. (2017–2022), he was a Government of India Fellow, supported by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) for five years. Similarly, for his M.Tech. (2015–2017), he earned another MHRD Fellowship, reflecting his consistent academic excellence. He secured the 2nd position in his M.Tech. program at MNNIT Allahabad. Dr. Yadav also qualified the GATE exam three consecutive times (2014, 2015, 2016), with stellar percentiles—94.54, 97.88, and 91.91 respectively. Earlier in his education, he received National Merit Scholarships for outstanding scores in both 10th and 12th grades. These accolades underscore his dedication, excellence, and consistent performance in engineering research and academics.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Yadav’s research spans multiple core areas of applied mechanics, focusing on Additive Manufacturing, Shock and Impact Mechanics, and Dynamic Material Behavior. He has explored the quasi-static and high-strain-rate response of advanced materials like AA2014-T6 aluminium and FDM-printed composites reinforced with Kevlar and carbon fibers. His work includes the inter-laminar fracture behavior (mode I and II) of composites, development of shock tubes, and simulation using VUMAT-based ABAQUS models. He has uniquely combined Digital Image Correlation (DIC) with BOS techniques for dynamic visualization and analysis of shock effects. In defense and aerospace contexts, his investigations into ballistic impacts, delamination, void effects, and reinforcement mechanisms have provided fresh insights. Additionally, his novel hybrid composite configurations and sandwich structures demonstrate his ability to engineer tailored materials for energy absorption and damage resistance. His research is characterized by a strong experimental foundation enhanced by advanced numerical modeling.

Publication Top Notes

  • Title: Compressive and tensile behavior of AA2014-T6 under different strain rates and different temperatures

    • Authors: AK Pandouria, K Yadav, V Tiwari

    • Citations: 11

    • Year: 2023

  • Title: Investigation on the shock response of AA2014-T6 sheets

    • Authors: K Yadav, AK Pandouria, P Bhagoria, MR Bharadwaj, V Tiwari

    • Citations: 7

    • Year: 2023

  • Title: Evaluation of Constitutive Behavior of Aluminum Alloy AA6063-T6

    • Authors: S Kumar, AK Pandouria, P Chakraborty, K Yadav, A Kumar, V Tiwari

    • Citations: 3

    • Year: 2022

  • Title: Mode-I interlaminar fracture behavior of additively manufactured continuous carbon and Kevlar reinforced composites

    • Authors: K Yadav, V Tiwari

    • Citations: 2

    • Year: 2025

  • Title: Structural response of monolithic and multi-stacked AA2014-T6 sheet specimens subjected to shock loading

    • Authors: K Yadav, AK Pandouria, P Bhagoria, MR Bharadwaj, V Tiwari

    • Citations: 2

    • Year: 2023

  • Title: Flow stress and fracture toughness behavior of AA5083 under quasi-static loading

    • Authors: AK Pandouria, S Kumar, P Chakraborty, K Yadav, A Kumar, V Tiwari

    • Citations: 2

    • Year: 2022

  • Title: Experimental and numerical investigation of monolithic and homo-stacked target plates of AA2014-T6 subjected to blunt and hemispherical projectiles

    • Authors: AK Pandouria, R Kumar, K Yadav, P Chakraborty, V Tiwari

    • Citations: 1

    • Year: 2024

  • Title: Effect of obliquity on ballistic impact response of plain-woven fabric

    • Authors: K Yadav, AK Upadhyay, KK Shukla

    • Citations: 1

    • Year: 2019

  • Title: Investigation on delamination behavior of additively manufactured Kevlar and carbon composites subjected to Mode‐II loading conditions

    • Authors: K Yadav, V Tiwari

    • Year: 2025

  • Title: A Compressed Gas Driven Double-stage Shock Tube and Method of Operation Thereof (Patent)

    • Authors: K Yadav, V Tiwari

Conclusion

Dr. Kuldeep Yadav is a highly promising young researcher whose contributions to experimental mechanics and additive manufacturing make him a top-tier candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His strong foundation in theoretical modeling, hands-on lab expertise, and impactful publications demonstrate a researcher with both depth and breadth in cutting-edge science and engineering.

Ruilin Yang | Mechanics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ruilin Yang | Mechanics | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Ruilin Yang, Orica, United States

Dr. Ruilin Yang, Ph.D., FCAE, is an esteemed mining engineer and researcher with expertise in rock mechanics, blasting technology, and geophysical modeling. Born in Inner Mongolia, China, he pursued higher education in China, Australia, and Canada, making significant contributions to mining engineering. His work spans theoretical advancements and applied research in open-pit and underground mining. Dr. Yang has held academic and research positions at institutions such as Northeast University, the University of Queensland, Queen’s University, CSIRO, and ICI Canada. His innovative research on blast damage modeling and muckpile formation has been widely recognized in the industry. With dual citizenship in the US and Canada, he has contributed extensively to advancing geotechnical engineering through publications, consulting, and applied field research. His contributions to the mining industry have earned him global recognition, and his work continues to influence modern mining practices worldwide.

Publication Profile

Orcid

🎓 Education

Dr. Ruilin Yang earned his B.Sc. (Hons) in Mining Engineering from Northeast University, China, in 1982. He was awarded a scholarship to study in Australia, where he completed a Master Qualifying Project at the JK Mineral Research Center, University of Queensland, in 1985. His project focused on developing rock characterization methods using geophysical theories, including the constant Q model and acoustic pulse propagation. He obtained his Ph.D. in Mining Engineering from the University of Queensland in 1990, specializing in 3D kinematic modeling of muckpile formation for open-pit blasting. His doctoral research contributed to blast design improvements in Australian open-pit mines. His academic journey continued with postdoctoral research at Queen’s University, Canada, focusing on near-field blast monitoring and blast damage modeling. His diverse educational background provided him with expertise in geomechanics, computational modeling, and mining engineering, allowing him to make groundbreaking contributions to the field.

💼 Experience

Dr. Yang has an extensive research and professional career in mining engineering. He started as a Research Assistant at Northeast University (1981–1984), working on stress wave modeling and fuzzy mathematics for rock classification. He then pursued postdoctoral research at the JK Mineral Research Center, focusing on muckpile formation modeling. Later, he worked as a Research Fellow at CSIRO, Australia (1990–1991), applying finite element modeling to underground mines. At Queen’s University, Canada (1991–1993), he developed a blast damage model based on extensional strain failure. From 1993 to 1995, he worked as a Scientist at ICI Canada, where he conducted explosive testing, blast diagnostics, and vibration control in mining operations. His work has significantly influenced mining practices, particularly in blast optimization and geomechanical modeling. His expertise spans both theoretical and applied mining engineering, making substantial contributions to industry practices, safety protocols, and mining efficiency worldwide.

🏆 Awards & Honors

Dr. Yang’s contributions to mining engineering have been widely recognized. He is a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Engineering (FCAE), acknowledging his impact on geomechanics and blasting technology. His research on blast damage modeling and muckpile formation has been instrumental in the field, leading to numerous citations and industry applications. He has received multiple awards for his work on geophysical modeling, seismic analysis, and mining optimization. His papers have been published in leading international journals, earning him recognition among the top researchers in mining engineering. He has also received prestigious research grants and fellowships from leading institutions in China, Australia, and Canada. His innovative approaches to blast damage reduction and seismic vibration analysis have set new standards in mining operations, enhancing safety and efficiency. His contributions continue to influence academia, industry, and policy-making in the mining and geotechnical sectors.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Yang’s research focuses on mining engineering, geomechanics, and blasting technology. His early work involved stress wave modeling and fuzzy mathematics for rock classification. He later developed advanced geophysical techniques to analyze rock mass properties, leading to the creation of a model for acoustic pulse propagation. His Ph.D. research on 3D kinematic modeling of muckpile formation revolutionized open-pit blasting techniques. He has also contributed to finite element modeling of underground mines and near-field blast damage assessment. His work on blast-induced vibration monitoring has helped minimize structural damage and improve mining safety. His research integrates computational modeling, field experiments, and geophysical analysis, bridging the gap between theory and practical mining applications. His findings have been widely applied in the mining industry, optimizing blast designs and reducing environmental impacts. Through his publications and industry collaborations, he has established himself as a leading expert in rock mechanics and mining engineering.

 

Publication Top Notes

  • “A New Constitutive Model of Blast Damage” (1996) – Cited by 150

  • “Measurement and Analysis of Near Field Vibration and Damage” (1994) – Cited by 120LinkedIn

  • “An Integrated Technique for Vibration Monitoring Adjacent to a Blast Hole” (1993) – Cited by 90

  • “A Model of Acoustic Pulse Propagation and Its Application to Determine Q for a Rock Mass” (1990) – Cited by 85

  • “A Three-Dimensional Model of Muckpile Formation and Grade Boundary Movement in Open Pit Blasting” (1990) – Cited by 75

  • “A Two-Dimensional Model for Prediction of Muckpile Shape in Bench Blasting” (1989) – Cited by 65

  • “Application of Geostatistics to the Analysis of Seismic Data” (1988) – Cited by 50

  • “Application of Fuzzy Mathematics to Rock Classification” (1985) – Cited by 40

  • “Study of the Application of Fuzzy Mathematics to Rock Classification” (1985) – Cited by 30

  • “Relate Peak Particle Velocity of Seismic Wave to 3D Dynamic Strain” (2017) – Cited by 25ADS+1