Avinash M. Dongare

Professor Avinash M. Dongare is a faculty member in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Connecticut, with joint appointments in Mechanical Engineering and Physics. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia (2008). As Director for Graduate Studies, he oversees graduate programs while advancing research in extreme mechanics and materials science.

His research focuses on computational modeling of materials behavior under extreme conditions (e.g., shock, high strain rates, pressures, temperatures). Key areas include: (1) atomistic simulations of phase transformations and spall failure in metals, (2) design of nanocrystalline composites for energy applications, and (3) mesoscale modeling of laser-material interactions. He employs advanced methods like molecular dynamics, density functional theory, and machine learning.

Notable achievements include the NSF CAREER Award (2015), UTC Professorship (2018-2021), and TMS Young Leader Award (2015). His work bridges theory and experiment, collaborating with institutions like the US Army Research Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Lab. Over 100 peer-reviewed publications and active funding from NSF, DOE, and DOD highlight his impact in materials science.

Current projects explore digital twins for materials processing, interfacial effects in layered systems, and ion-intercalation mechanisms in 2D materials. The Dongare Research Group (GEMMS) integrates computational and experimental approaches to address challenges in additive manufacturing and energy storage technologies.