معرفی
Rajiv Naik is a Professor in Residence at the University of Connecticut (UConn), where he joined in 2020. Prior to this, he worked at Pratt & Whitney, leading research on polymer matrix and ceramic matrix composite materials. He holds a B.S. from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (1979), an M.S. from the University of Maine (1982), and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Old Dominion University (1986).
His research focuses on composite materials behavior, characterization, and modeling, including micromechanics, fatigue life prediction, and fracture mechanics of polymeric, metallic, and ceramic matrix composites. He has authored over 75 papers, holds multiple patents, and received several best paper awards. Dr. Naik is an elected member of the Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering (CASE) and serves as Chair of the Ceramic Matrix Composites Data Review Working Group for the CMH-17 Composite Materials Handbook.
Active in professional organizations, he is an Associate Fellow of the American Institute for Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and contributes to ASTM standards. He co-founded UConn’s Composites Engineering Graduate Certificate Program, developing courses on composite mechanics, fatigue, and textile structures. His work spans computational modeling tools for materials, durability analysis, and advanced composite applications in aerospace and engineering systems.
Dr. Naik’s publications emphasize structural performance of composites under extreme conditions, incorporating nanotechnology and advanced architectures like 3D weaving. His contributions bridge theoretical models with practical applications in turbine components, containment systems, and ballistic-resistant materials.
