CV
Computational mechanics, material failure, and simulation-driven R&D
Download résumé | PDF updated: August 2026
Materials and mechanics engineer with a PhD in Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering from the University of Waterloo. I derive thermodynamically consistent constitutive models, implement them at solver level as Fortran user-material subroutines, design the experiments needed to challenge them, and validate predictions from microstructure through coupon and component response.
Current focus Constitutive modeling for automotive forming, crash, and steel failure
Methods Finite deformation, crystal plasticity, damage, EBSD, DIC, IR
Implementation Fortran UMAT/VUMAT, Abaqus, LS-DYNA, Python, PyTorch
Education
PhD, Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering University of Waterloo, Canada | Aug 2026
Thesis: Crystal plasticity-based damage modeling for predicting strain rate and temperature-dependent failure in advanced high-strength steels. Successfully defended 4 August 2026.
MSc, MERGE Technologies for Resource Efficiency Technische Universitat Chemnitz, Germany | May 2021
Research focus: thermal simulation, resource-efficient systems, and finite element modeling.
BEng, Mechanical Engineering Gujarat Technological University, India | Jun 2017
Project focus: CFD analysis of diesel engine combustion chamber geometry.
Research Experience
Doctoral Research Assistant University of Waterloo | Jan 2022 - Aug 2026
Developed a thermodynamically consistent damage evolution model and implemented it into a rate-dependent crystal-plasticity framework using Fortran. Investigated void nucleation, damage growth, temperature rise, texture evolution, and high-strain-rate failure in HSLA, DP, and Q&P steels. Conducted experimental validation using tensile testing, EBSD, DIC, and IR thermography.
Industry-sponsored doctoral program with General Motors, connecting constitutive-model development and multiscale validation to practical automotive R&D requirements.
Master Thesis Researcher Fraunhofer UMSICHT, Oberhausen | Jul 2020 - Apr 2021
Modeled borehole heat exchangers with phase-change materials as backfill. Built and validated transient ANSYS/Fluent models for coaxial, U-tube, and spiral heat exchanger designs and studied thermal conductivity, latent heat, and phase transition temperature effects.
Research Assistant Fraunhofer IWS, Dresden | Jul 2020 - Mar 2021
Worked on shielding-nozzle design for the COAXshield laser metal deposition system using ANSYS CFX, CAD-FEA integration, and parametric flow/thermal optimization.
Research Intern German Aerospace Centre (DLR), Augsburg | Sep 2019 - Dec 2019
Performed thermal-structural simulations for automated fibre placement and validated thermal-gradient predictions against experimental measurements.
Research Project Assistant Technische Universitat Chemnitz | Apr 2019 - Aug 2019
Developed RVE-based FE models for fibre-reinforced plastics with nonlinear elastic matrix behavior and generated effective material-property maps.
Publication
Thermodynamically consistent damage evolution model coupled with rate-dependent crystal plasticity: Application to high-strength low alloy steel at various strain rates
S. Dayani, W. Muhammad, A. Brahme, F. Hekmat, T. Sabiston, K. Inal
International Journal of Plasticity, vol. 186, 104255, 2025.
Teaching, Awards, and Service
Teaching Assistant University of Waterloo | ME559, ME219
Led tutorials, evaluated assignments, supported student projects, and held office hours for graduate and undergraduate mechanics courses.
Oravas Foundation Scholarship 2025
Awarded for crystal plasticity-based damage modeling of advanced high-strength steels. Announcement
Skills
Computational mechanics
Crystal plasticity Damage mechanics Ductile fracture Finite elements Thermo-mechanical coupling High-strain-rate failure Texture evolution Forming limits
Programming and implementation
Fortran UMAT/VUMAT Python PyTorch DeepONet MATLAB Material model implementation Simulation automation
Software
LS-DYNA Abaqus ANSYS Mechanical ANSYS Fluent/CFX VIC-3D DREAM.3D SolidWorks CATIA Creo Inventor
Experimental and characterization
Tensile testing DIC EBSD IR thermography AHSS characterization Strain-rate testing
Languages
English | German | Hindi | Gujarati