Graduate Researcher
Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering
University of Oklahoma, OK USA
Research Fields:
Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cells
Additivie Manufacturing
Friction Stir Processing
Sooraj Patel
I am an established researcher with a proven track record of active involvement in both academic and industrial domains. Presently, I am engaged in a doctoral research project at the University of Oklahoma, OK, USA, focusing on the atomic structural analysis of proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells. The primary objective of this work is to improve ionic conductivity by designing the electrode-electrolyte interface and enabling them to operate at reduced temperatures.
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During my tenure as a Junior Research Fellow (JRF) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Gandhinagar), my focus of study involved Friction Stir Welding and Processing (FSW&P), with specific emphasis on Friction Stir Channelling (FSC) of copper. The FSC technique has demonstrated its capability in fabricating intricate heat sinks that exhibit enhanced heat dissipation performance. Our investigation encompassed the analysis of various tool geometries to ascertain the tool-shoulder influence on the mechanical properties of the friction-stirred channels. Furthermore, I possess research experience in the realm of additive manufacturing of metals and the study of centreline segregation in aluminum alloys.
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I have pursued my masters in Materials Science and Engineering from IIT Gandhinagar. My prior educational background includes a bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering. My professional experience as an Executive Engineer at Sagar Drugs and Pharmaceutical Pvt. Ltd. has contributed to the development of my abilities in project planning and execution, leadership, and management.
Educational Accomplishments
Since January, 2022
Doctor of Philosophy
Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering
University of Oklahoma, OK USA
2016-2018
Masters of Technology
Materials Science & Engineering
IIT Gandhinagar, INDIA
2011-2015
Bachelor of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
GTU, Ahmedabad, INDIA
Metal Additive Manufacturing
Atomic-structure characterization of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC)
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Proton conduction in SOFC
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Lattice distortion
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Electron microscopy
Center-line segregation in twin roll cast aluminum alloy
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Heat treatment
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Electron microscopy
Aerodynamic analysis of horizontal axis wind turbine blade
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Drift and thrust testing
Dynamic Career Journey: Industry and Research Excellence
Since Jan. 2022
Graduate Research Assistant
Accelerated Materials Development Lab
School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
The University of Oklahoma, USA
Metal additive manufacturing
Proton conducting solid oxide fuel cells
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Orientation microscopy
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Electron back scattered Diffraction
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Transmission electron microscopy
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Atomic characterization
Aug. 2019 - Dec. 2021
Junior Research Fellow
Research Assistant
Advanced Materials Processing Research Group
IIT Gandhinagar, INDIA
Friction Stir Channeling (FSC)
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Channels fabrication
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Process parameter optimization
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Microstructural characterization
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Mechanical testing
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Intricate heat sinks manufacturing
Friction Stir Welding and Processing of Polymer Materials
Aug. 2018 - July 2019
Executive Engineer
Sagar Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd.
Ahmedabad, INDIA
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Designing chilling system for highly corrosive environment
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Improving materials life in high temperature chloride corrosive environment
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Performance and economic analysis of high-pressure boiler and thermic fluid heater
Aug. 2017 - May 2018
Teaching Assistant
IIT Gandhinagar, INDIA
Graduate-level academic courses
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Advanced metal forming technology
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Light metal alloys for the automotive industry
May 2017 - June 2017
Intern
Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development & Design Centre
Nagpur, INDIA
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Acquiring knowledge of alumina production and red mud waste management
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Center-line segregation in aluminum alloys during twin-roll casting