Programming
MATLAB, Python, R, Fortran, C++, Wolfram Mathematica, Bash, Linux/Unix
Curriculum vitae
Ahmad Ravangard
Ph.D. Student in Mechanical Engineering
Composite Modeling and Manufacturing Group
Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
Contact Information
Phone
Profiles
Professional Summary
Ph.D. candidate in Mechanical Engineering with a focus on advanced composite materials, process modeling, and simulation-driven manufacturing. My research explores the relationships between processing conditions, material response, microstructural evolution, and final structural performance.
I am particularly interested in understanding how defects emerge during manufacturing and how they can be predicted, controlled, and mitigated through improved material design and process optimization. My work combines physics-based modeling, computational analysis, and experimental validation at a conceptual level to support the development of more reliable, manufacturable, and high-performance composite structures.
Skills
Version Tracking
Git, DVC, GitHub
HPC
Linux clusters, SLURM/PBS, Bash job scripts, modules, queues, FEA/CFD workflows
AI/CV
CNN segmentation, microstructure analysis, preprocessing, model evaluation
Simulation, CAD & Visualization
FEA/Multiphysics: Abaqus, ANSYS, DigiMAT; CFD/LBM: OpenFOAM, OpenLB; CAD: CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, Autodesk Inventor; Post-processing & Image Analysis: Tecplot, OpenSim, GOM Snap/Correlate, ImageJ
Writing & Design
LyX, LaTeX, Microsoft Package
Experimental Tools
MTS, Digital Image Correlation (DIC), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), SEM, Digital Optical Microscopy, Heat Press, Autoclave
Education
Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
GPA: 3.88/4.0
M.Sc. in Aerospace Engineering
University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
GPA: 3.9/4.0
B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering
Islamic Azad University of Neyriz, Fars, Iran
GPA: 3.7/4.0
Publications
- A. Ravangard, E. Ebrahimi, M. I. Ibne Wahid, A. Kravchenko. Enhancing Open Hole Tension Strength in Carbon Fiber Composites with Thermoplastic Veil Interlayers. SPE ANTEC 2026 - Annual Technical Conference of the Society of Plastics Engineers, 2026.
- A. Ravangard, K. Celebi, S. G. Kravchenko, O. G. Kravchenko. Mitigating Out-of-Plane Fiber Waviness in AFP Laminates with Tow-Gaps via Selective Placement of Thermoplastic Veils. Fibers, 13(11):145, 2025.
- D. W. Mulqueen, A. Ravangard, J. D. Bhagatji, S. Kumar, O. G. Kravchenko. Effects of Biomass and Iron Catalyst on Yield of Plant-Based Graphitic Nanoplatelets. Materials Chemistry and Physics, 131629, 2025.
- E. Ebrahimi, M. N. Saquib, A. R. Ravangard, et al. Fatigue Performance of Polyamide Glass Fiber Composites Governed by Plastic Deformation and Weave Meso-Structure. American Society for Composites 40th Anniversary, 2025.
- D. W. Mulqueen, A. Ravangard, J. D. Bhagatji, S. Kumar, O. G. Kravchenko. Effects of Biomass and Catalyst Selection on Yield and Properties of Plant-Based Graphene Nanoplatelets. Available at SSRN 5334252.
- A. Ravangard, O. Kravchenko. Compaction and Mechanical Performance of AFP Composites with Fiber Tow Gaps: Experimental Investigation and Multiphysics Modeling. 24th International Conference on Composite Materials (ICCM24), 2025.
- A. Ravangard, O. Kravchenko. Reducing Out-of-Plane Fiber Waviness in AFP Laminate with Tow Gaps by Selective Placement of Thermoplastic Veils. SAMPE Conference, 2025.
- A. Ravangard, V. C. Jamora, J. D. Bhagatji, O. Kravchenko. Mechanics of Resin Rich Regions Formation in AFP Preform with Staggered Fiber Tow Gaps. Sixth International Symposium on Automated Composites Manufacturing (ACM6), 2024.
- A. R. Ravangard, V. C. Jamora, J. D. Bhagatji, O. Kravchenko. Origin and Significance of Non-Uniform Morphology in AFP Composites. American Society for Composites (ASC) 38th Annual Technical Conference, 2023.
- B. Razmjooei, A. R. Ravangard, L. Momayez, M. Ferchichi. The Influence of Heat Transfer Due to Radiation from a Combustion Chamber. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 147(3):1901-1917, 2022.
- A. R. Ravangard, L. Momayez, M. Rashidi. Effects of Geometry on Simulation of Two-Phase Flow in Microchannel with Density and Viscosity Contrast. Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry, 139(1):427-440, 2020.
- A. R. Ravangard, R. Kamali. A Numerical Investigation of Kenics Static Mixer as a Heat Exchanger in Separation and Segregation Process of Supercritical Carbon Dioxide. Conference on Recent Advances in Aerospace and Associated Sciences, 2015.
In Progress Projects
Manuscripts and Active Research
- A BGKW-Informed Reduced-Conductance Framework for Rarefied Gas Evacuation and Void Collapse in Closing OOA Prepreg Micro-Channels. Manuscript in preparation.
- Selective Interlaminar Toughening for Improved Strength and Reduced Notch Sensitivity in Open Hole CFRP Laminates Interleaved with Thin PPS Thermoplastic Veils. Manuscript in preparation.
- Automated Detection and Dimensional Characterization of Tow-Gaps in Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Laminates Using Image Processing and Deep Learning. Manuscript in preparation.
- STTR: Rapidly Deployable, Low-Logistics, Hardened Shelters for Resilient Basing. Project in progress.
Teaching and Research Experience
Graduate Teaching Assistant - Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
- College of Engineering & Technology
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
- Engineering Management
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics
- Department of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Courses Assisted: Solid Mechanics Lab, Statics, CAE Modeling, C++ Programming, Dynamics and Control, Computational Methods (2023), Gas Dynamics (2023)
Graduate Research Assistant - Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
- ODU Research Foundation (Supervisor: Dr. O. Kravchenko)
- Department of Business Graduate Studies
- Department of Mathematics & Statistics
- NSF-Funded Research
Industry and Professional Experience
Tutor
Mathematics, Physics, Fluid Dynamics, and Statistics
Provided individualized instruction to enhance student comprehension and academic performance.
Mechanical Engineer & Technical Manager
RashinPersia Co., Shiraz, Iran
Oversaw hydraulic and pneumatic equipment maintenance, performed system diagnostics, and managed a multidisciplinary technical team.
Instrumentation Engineer
SinaControl Co., Shiraz, Iran
Designed and optimized flow-meter components, including orifice plates and Venturi tubes, to improve measurement accuracy and system reliability.
Honors & Awards
Prabhu Endowed Graduate Scholarship in Mechanical Engineering
Old Dominion University. Recognized for outstanding academic achievement.
Professional Memberships and Leadership
American Society for Composites (ASC)
Member
Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering (SAMPE)
Member
ODU SAMPE Student Chapter
Secretary.