Akash Sharma
Research Engineer / Simulation Specialist - Composite materials
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About
Research Engineer / Simulation Specialist with 7+ years of experience in finite element analysis (FEA) of composite structures, computational mechanics, and simulation-driven design for advanced engineering components. Strong background in ANSYS Workbench, ANSYS APDL, and Abaqus. Hands-on experience in composite modelling, laminate modelling, ANSYS Composite PrepPost (ACP), with expertise in nonlinear structural analysis, damage modelling, and numerical-experimental correlation.
Experienced in developing validated simulation models and practical design insights for composite and polymer-based structures, with application expertise in wind turbine blades, composite laminates, and composite pressure vessels.
Experience
Postdoctoral Researcher at Ghent University (2023-03 – Present)
- Developed a finite element methodology for a project "Combined numerical and experimental approach for the development, testing and analysis of thick adhesive joints in large wind turbine (project grant G031020N)" using Abaqus.
- Developed advanced FE models of type-IV composite pressure vessels for the project 'Composite solutions for future hydrogen storage tanks'(COMFHY), enhancing defect analysis by integrating explicit defect representation in Abaqus.
- Guided a Master's thesis on a 43 m wind turbine blade, using ANSYS and Abaqus analyses and ERPL estimates to evaluate noise reduction.
Postdoctoral Researcher at IIT Bombay (2022-05 – 2023-03)
- Developed representative unit-cell Abaqus models for 3D woven composites to improve damage assessment efficiency and structural prediction capability.
- Enhanced predictive accuracy by integrating yarn-matrix interface behaviour through cohesive zone modelling and numerically robust simulation workflows.
Doctoral Researcher at IIT Indore (2017-07 – 2021-09)
- Used Python scripting for automated model generation, ODB post-processing, and results extraction in micromechanical FE studies of composite materials.
- Conducted simulation-experiment correlation studies and performed strain analysis using DIC and microscale FEA on unidirectional fibre composites using ANSYS APDL, validating the FEA results against DIC measurements.
Education
PhD in Mechanical Engineering, Specialisation in Composite Mechanics – Indian Institute of Technology Indore
