I. Rao

I. Rao is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, specializing in advanced polymer mechanics and smart materials. His research focuses on the thermo-mechanical behavior of shape memory polymers (SMPs), with significant contributions to crystallization dynamics and constitutive modeling.

Dr. Rao's primary research interests include Shape Memory Polymers, Polymer Crystallization, Thermo-mechanical Modeling, Viscoelasticity, and Solid Mechanics. His work integrates thermodynamics, polymer physics, and continuum mechanics to develop predictive models for complex SMP behaviors under thermal, light, and mechanical stimuli.

Analysis of his recent publications (2012-2021) reveals a consistent emphasis on multi-functional SMPs, particularly triple-shape variants and light-activated systems. Key trends include the development of thermodynamic frameworks for crystallization, numerical simulations of inhomogeneous deformations, and exploration of photo-adaptable mechanisms. His research bridges fundamental polymer physics with engineering applications in smart materials.

Dr. Rao has been recognized with a Young Investigator Award for his contributions to solid mechanics. His federally funded research includes a National Science Foundation project (2003-2006) as Principal Investigator for Modeling the Thermo-Mechanical Response of Shape Memory Polymers, which investigated large-deformation mechanics and cutting-edge SMP applications.

While specific laboratory details are not provided, his collaborative publications indicate active engagement with the materials science community. His work demonstrates sustained productivity with 43 research outputs and significant citation impact (h-index 19, 1325+ citations).