Dr. Velankar Research Group

I started working for Dr. Velankar in the summer of 2020 as an undergraduate research assistant and continued throughout my undergraduate studies. I quickly learned how to prepare samples, collect data, and present my findings to help graduate students with their publications. Throughout the years I took on more responsibility, getting trained to use more tools such as microscopes, profilometers, tensile testers, and laser cutters and directly contributing to two publications.

Skills:

Tensile Testing
Profilometer Microscopy
Rapid Prototyping
Laser Cutting
Sample Preparation
Experimental Design
Data Analysis
Analysis Presentation

Research Details

Preprint Publication

I contributed to the publication of this paper by performing many tests on samples including tensile strength, localized sample deformation, and strain tracking with blender. Additionally, my test insights where used in the analysis of material properties and further procedural design changes.

Publication

I contributed to the publication to this paper by designing the sample manufacturing procedure as well as designing and testing samples produced in the image here, cited in the paper.

Tensile Testing and Strain Mapping

After cutting dogbone samples from various rubber/plastic composites, dot markers where added on to the sample for strain mapping during tensile testing.

Profilometer

For various samples and applications I was trained in using the Keyence profilometer as well as Zeiss Smartzoom microscope. Here I am comparing hole depths (programmed damage) on a sample after laser cutting for consistency and reliability verification.

Tube Propagation

Tested various tubes with water inflation to study propagation at various inflation speeds. Samples are dotted for strain mapping purposes.