I am Atul Jain, an Assistant Professor at the Mechanical Engineering Department, IIT Kharagpur.
Broadly my groups activities revolve around applying and understanding concepts of Multiscale Mechanics of Materials and Structures. We work on varying problems from developing predictive models for fiber reinforced composites, designing next generation of tailored joints, developing highly engineering and tailored metamaterials, mean field homogenization. We rely on both experimental testing and numerical simulation for our research work.
My research focuses on advancing the mechanics, manufacturing, and performance characterization of polymer composites, 3D-printed structures, and heterogeneous materials. We work across four key domains:
1. Additive Manufacturing of Polymer Composites – Investigating the microstructural evolution and thermo-mechanical behavior of fiber-reinforced polyamides in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). My work employs advanced characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction and micro-computed tomography to optimize mechanical performance and structural integrity. This is complemented by intricate multiscale modelling.
2. Development of novel joining strategies – Studying the strength and failure mechanisms of single-lap joints fabricated using FDM and adhesive bonding. By integrating experimental and numerical approaches, we develop novel interface designs, such as tooth-shaped profiles, to enhance joint durability and toughness.
3. Multiscale Modeling of Composites – Developing modified homogenization techniques, such as the Mori-Tanaka-Voigt approach, to predict stress distributions in individual inclusions of fiber-reinforced composites. This improves computational efficiency while ensuring accurate micromechanical predictions.
4. Auxetic Lattice Structures – Designing and characterizing novel nested auxetic lattices with enhanced stiffness and energy absorption capabilities. Using Digital Image Correlation and finite element modeling, we explore the mechanical behavior of these structures for impact-resistant applications.
Through this multidisciplinary approach, my research contributes to the development of high-performance materials for aerospace, automotive, and biomedical applications.