Vikas Tomar

Vikas Tomar is a Professor in the School of Aeronautics and Astronautics at Purdue University, where he has served since 2006. He holds a Ph.D. from Georgia Institute of Technology (2005), an MBA from UC Berkeley (2023), and Indian degrees from IIT Madras and NIT Kurukshetra. His research focuses on materials in extreme environments, including non-equilibrium phenomena (e.g., shock dynamics) and autonomy energy intelligence (e.g., battery management systems). He leads the Interfacial Multiphysics Lab, which has produced over 400 publications, 11 patents, and 16 PhD graduates.

Key achievements include ASME Fellow status (2016), the AFoSR Young Investigator Award (2009), and multiple teaching/mentorship awards. His lab’s work spans experimental methods like Mechanical Raman Spectroscopy (patented) and computational models for battery safety and energetic materials.

• Education:
  • MBA, UC Berkeley, 2023
  • Ph.D., Georgia Tech, 2005
  • M.Tech., IIT Madras, 2001
  • B.Tech., NIT Kurukshetra, 1998
• Awards:
  • University Faculty Scholar (2016–2021)
  • W A Gustafson Best Teacher Award (2019–20)
  • VAJRA Faculty Award (2019)
  • Over 30+ patents, grants, and editorial roles in journals.

Research interests include:

• Shock physics and nanosecond Raman spectroscopy
• Battery safety and AI-driven energy systems
• Interface mechanics in materials and biomaterials

Lab contributions include pioneering work on battery thermal runaway prediction and smart management systems, as well as advanced imaging techniques for material characterization under extreme conditions.