Harshavardhan Kalathur

Research

Harsha joined the research group in October 2017. His research background involves developing advanced materials and structural systems that exhibit multi-functional behavior by combining mutually exclusive properties.

At UW-Madison, his work involves characterizing gradient-nano-grained materials that are created by impacting individual single crystal metallic cubes against a rigid target at supersonic speeds. He aims to develop a thorough understanding of the plasticity mechanisms that govern the high strain rate deformation resulting from supersonic impacts. He is also interested in investigating the converse problem in which, a rigid particle is impacted against a deformable target. The goal of this investigation is to develop materials that are simultaneously stiff, strong, and tough.

Prior to joining as a research associate in Thevamaran Lab, he was a postdoctoral fellow at McGill University in Canada where he studied architectured materials based on bio-inspiration. As a PhD student at University of Wisconsin-Madison, he studied structural systems that exhibited enhanced viscoelastic and piezoelectric properties by incorporating negative stiffness elements.

Education

PhD, Engineering Mechanics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2015

MS, Engineering Mechanics, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2010

BTech, Mechanical Engineering, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University, India, 2009

Hobbies

Enjoys cooking, music and hiking with his dogs.