Nikhil Karanjgaokar

Nikhil Karanjgaokar is an Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), where he has been since August 2015. His research focuses on experimental and computational mechanics of novel materials and structures, particularly in granular media dynamics, nanostructured materials, and optical measurement techniques. He leads the Structures and Materials Laboratory (HL 028), equipped with advanced tools such as Digital Image Correlation (DIC), high-speed imaging systems, and laser Doppler vibrometers.

Education:

• B.Tech. in Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut, India (2006)
• M.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University (2007)
• Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2013)

Research Interests:

• Micro/nano-scale experimental mechanics
• Temperature and strain rate effects on nanostructured materials
• Dynamic response of granular media and inhomogeneous materials
• Optical measurement techniques for material characterization

His lab investigates granular systems under impact, adaptive metamaterials, and thin-film mechanics. Notable projects include developing bulletproof vests with self-optimizing materials and exploring interfacial adhesion in polymer-based composites. His work has been featured in media such as WBUR and the Worcester Business Journal.