K. Chandrashekhara

Dr. K. Chandrashekhara is a Curators’ Distinguished Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) and Director of the Composite Manufacturing Laboratory. He holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Science and Mechanics from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (1985), M.S. in Aerospace Engineering from IIT Kanpur (1979), and B.S. degrees in Aerospace Engineering (Madras Institute of Technology, 1977) and Applied Mathematics (University of Mysore, 1974).

• Education:
  • Ph.D., Virginia Tech, 1985
  • M.S., IIT Kanpur, 1979
  • B.S. in Aerospace Engineering, 1977
  • B.S. in Applied Mathematics, 1974

His research focuses on composite materials, additive manufacturing, finite element analysis, and experimental characterization. Key areas include polymer and metal composite structures, high-temperature composites, and advanced manufacturing processes. Recent work explores additive manufacturing of thermoplastic composites and metallic cellular structures, alongside computational modeling of material behavior under extreme conditions.

His publications (over 175 journal articles) and funded projects span collaborations with NSF, ARO, NASA, and industries like Boeing and General Dynamics. Notable achievements include a U.S. patent, co-authorship of a composite materials textbook, and editorial roles in journals like Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy.

• Awards:
  • ISC Distinguished Investigator Award
  • Academy of Mechanical Engineers Research Excellence Award
  • Fellow of ASME
  • Missouri S&T Faculty Excellence Awards

His lab, the Composite Manufacturing Laboratory, drives innovation in composite fabrication and additive technologies. Research emphasizes practical applications in aerospace, automotive, and energy sectors. Current projects include microwave-cured composites, bio-composites, and failure analysis of composite structures under extreme loading.