Programming
MATLAB, Python, R, Fortran, C++, Wolfram Mathematica, Git, GitHub, Bash, Linux/Unix
Curriculum vitae
Ahmad Ravangard
Ph.D. Student in Mechanical Engineering
Composite Modelling 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 specializing in composite modeling and automated fiber placement (AFP). Expert in developing and validating multiphysics finite-element and CFD models for resin flow, compaction, and cure kinetics, integrating Digital Image Correlation (DIC), microscopy, and mechanical testing for experimental verification.
Research focuses on resin-rich region formation, squeeze-flow and resin-bleed phenomena, and mitigation of fiber waviness using thermoplastic veils. Proficient in advanced numerical algorithms and high-performance computing, with a strong interest in simulation-driven process optimization and AI-based microstructure reconstruction to enhance the performance and reliability of composite materials.
Skills
Simulation & Design
Abaqus, ANSYS, CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, Autodesk Inventor, DigiMAT, OpenFOAM, OpenLB, Tecplot, OpenSim, GOM Snap/Correlate, ImageJ, LaTeX
Experimental Tools
MTS, Digital Image Correlation (DIC), Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), SEM, Digital Optical Microscopy, Heat Press, Autoclave
Specialized Expertise
Multiphysics Modeling, Progressive Failure Analysis (PFA), Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI), Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), Resin Flow in Composites, Automated Fiber Placement (AFP), Composite Manufacturing Processes, Machine Learning for Material Science, Computer Vision for Microstructure Analysis
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, 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.
- 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.
Projects
Advanced Composite Materials and AFP (2023-Present)
- AFP Defect Modeling: Multiphysics finite-element analysis (FEA) of resin-rich regions and tow gaps, validated with tensile testing and Digital Image Correlation (DIC).
- Resin Flow in Microchannels: Rheometry-based flow characterization to inform predictive models of micro-scale resin transport.
- Thermoplastic Veils for Waviness Reduction: Integration of PEI/PPS veils in AFP layups, achieving up to 90% reduction in fiber waviness.
- AI-Based Microstructure Reconstruction: Machine-learning models for non-destructive reconstruction of platelet-molded composites.
- Flame-Retardant Composites: Experimental evaluation of EV battery housing materials for flame resistance and mechanical performance.
- Squeeze Flow & Resin Bleed-out: Investigation of resin bleed-out effects on composite curing and strength.
Additional Computational & Experimental Studies
- Numerical simulation of crack behavior in Mode I, Mode II, and mixed mode
- Architectural design of convolutional neural networks for image segmentation
- Exact solution of Kramers flow from kinetic theory perspective
- Parallel Dijkstra algorithm with domain decomposition
- Optimization of truss structures using FMINCON in MATLAB
- Numerical solution of integro-differential equations via RCIP method
- Influence of radiation heat transfer from a combustion chamber
- AMG method for solving algebraic equations derived from image filtration
- Coupled MRT-LBM-MGM algorithm for nearly incompressible cavity flow
- Image compression using Singular Value Decomposition (SVD)
- Stable algorithm for singular systems of equations
- Multi-grid method for damping high-frequency error in elliptic PDEs
- Effects of geometry on simulation of two-phase flow in microchannels with density and viscosity contrast
- Thermal and mechanical analysis of continuous casting in a tundish
- Heating effects in deep drawing for spring-back prevention (Abaqus)
- Safety factor assessment for cylindrical pressure vessels (ANSYS)
- Orifice plate design for PW services
- Numerical simulation of creeping flow over Ahmed body
- Numerical investigation of Kenics static mixers
- FSI-based numerical modeling of diaphragm tanks (ANSYS)
- Micro-pump design for heart-surgery applications
- Flow over NACA airfoil using Fluent
- Combustion analysis in an internal combustion engine
- Air-flow simulation in a cavity at varying Reynolds numbers using SIMPLE algorithm
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. Maintained meeting records, organized events and outreach, and acted as liaison with the Dean's Office (CESO).