Professional Summary
Ph.D. student in Mechanical Engineering specializing in Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) and composite manufacturing. I develop multiphysics FEA models for resin flow, compaction, and cure kinetics, validated through DIC, microscopy, and mechanical testing. My work includes progressive failure analysis using open-source tools like COMPDAM and custom 3D Hashin-based models. I also investigate the effects of thermoplastic veils and other materials on improving interlaminar toughness. My goal is to optimize AFP processing and material performance through simulation-driven design and experimental validation.
Skills
- Programming & Scripting: MATLAB, Python, R, Fortran, C++, Wolfram Mathematica, Git, GitHub, Bash, Linux/Unix
- Simulation & Design: Abaqus, ANSYS, CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, Autodesk Inventor, DigiMAT, OpenFOAM, OpenLB, Tecplot, OpenSim, GOM Snap/Correlate, ImageJ, LaTeX
- Experimental Tools: MTS systems, Digital Image Correlation (DIC), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Dielectric Analysis (DEA), SEM, Optical Microscopy, Autoclave
- Expertise: Multiphysics modeling, Progressive Failure Analysis, Fluid-Structure Interaction, CFD, Composite Process Simulation, AFP Toolpath Optimization
Education
- Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA (Dec 2022 – Dec 2026 expected)
- M.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran (Oct 2013 – Feb 2016)
- B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering Islamic Azad University of Neyriz, Iran (Sep 2008 – Jul 2012)
Publications
- Ravangard, A., Kravchenko, O. Reducing Out-of-Plane Fiber Waviness in AFP Laminate with Tow Gaps by Selective Placement of Thermoplastic Veils. SAMPE 2025.
- Ravangard, A., Jamora, V.C., Bhagatji, J.D., Kravchenko, O. Mechanics of Resin-Rich Regions Formation in AFP Preform with Staggered Fiber Tow Gaps. ACM6 2024.
- Ravangard, A.R., Jamora, V.C., Bhagatji, J.D. Origin and Significance of Non-Uniform Morphology in AFP Composites. ASC 2023.
- Razmjooei, B., Ravangard, A.R., Momayez, L., Ferchichi, M. The Influence of Heat Transfer Due to Radiation from a Combustion Chamber. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry 2021.
- Ravangard, A.R., Momayez, L., Rashidi, M. Effects of Geometry on Simulation of Two-Phase Flow in Microchannel with Density and Viscosity Contrast. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry 2020.
- Ravangard, A.R., Kamali, R. A Numerical Investigation of Kenics Static Mixer as a Heat Exchanger in Supercritical CO2. Conference on Recent Advances in Aerospace & Associated Sciences 2015.
Research Projects
- AFP Defect Modeling: Simulated resin-rich regions and tow gap behavior using multiphysics FEA; validated with tensile and DIC data.
- Resin Flow in Microchannels: Conducted rheometry to inform predictive models of two-phase flow.
- Thermoplastic Veils for Waviness Reduction: Placed PEI/PPS veils in AFP layups; achieved up to 90% waviness reduction.
- Residual Stress Prediction: Developed an integrative framework using FBG sensors, DSC, DMA, and thermal simulations.
- Biomass-Based Graphene in CFRP: Evaluated mechanical performance and failure behavior of modified composites.
- Graphene Yield Optimization: Analyzed pGNP yield using SEM, TGA, and Raman spectroscopy.
- Financial Time Series Analysis: Used R to preprocess, calibrate, and model economic datasets.
Experience
- Graduate Research Assistant, ODU Research Foundation (Dec 2022 – Present)
- Graduate Teaching Assistant, ODU MAE Dept. (Dec 2022 – Present) — Courses: Solid Mechanics Lab, Statics, CAE Design & Modeling, ComputationalMethods, C++ Programming, Dynamics & Control
- Graduate Teaching Assistant, ODU (May 2022 – Aug 2022)
- Graduate Research Assistant**, ODU (NSF-Funded) (Dec 2020 – May 2022)
Teaching Experience
- Solid Mechanics Lab, Statics, CAE Modeling, Computational Methods, C++ Programming, Dynamics & Control (ODU, 2022–2024)
- Finite Element Methods (University of Kings, unofficial)
- CFD (University of Shiraz, 2016)
- Advanced Mathematics (University of Tehran, 2015)
- Fluid Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Mathematics II (Azad University, 2010–2013)
Contact Information
Address: 8923 Monitor Way, Norfolk, VA 23503, USA
Email: arz.ravangard@gmail.com
Phone: +1 (757) 632-5976