Sunil Kumar Prajapati | Additive Manufacturing | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Sunil Kumar Prajapati, Indian Institute Of Technology–Madras, India.

Dr. Sunil Kumar Prajapati 🎓 is a passionate researcher in Additive Manufacturing, Tribology, and Materials Science 🧪. With a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Madras 🏛️, he brings expertise in polymer-based 3D printing, sliding bearing applications, and surface characterization 🔬. Dr. Prajapati enjoys designing, drawing, and cooking in his leisure time 🎨👨‍🍳. Fluent in Hindi and English 🗣️, he blends theoretical knowledge with hands-on skills across mechanical design and analysis tools 🛠️. His academic journey is complemented by roles in research and teaching, contributing significantly to advanced manufacturing technologies and mechanical system simulations. 🚀

Publication Profiles

Orcid

Google Scholar

Education & Experience

🎓 Education:

🏛️ Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Machine Design) – IIT Madras (2019–2024) – 7.75/10
🏫 M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering (Design) – PDPM IIITDM Jabalpur (2014–2016) – 6.5/10
🏫 B.E. in Mechanical Engineering – TIT (Excellence), Bhopal | RGPV (2009–2013) – 72.9%
📘 12th (Science with Maths) – Kendriya Vidyalaya, Dhanpuri (2008–2009) – 61.4%
📘 10th (All Subjects) – JNV Amarkantak (2006–2007) – 68.4%

🧑‍🏫 Experience:

🔬 Junior Research Fellow – PDPM IIITDM Jabalpur (Dec 2017 – Dec 2018)
👨‍🏫 Assistant Professor – Saint Aloysius Institute of Technology, Jabalpur (Mar 2017 – Nov 2017)

Suitability for the Award

Dr. Sunil Kumar Prajapati is an exceptionally driven and innovative researcher whose work in Additive Manufacturing, Tribology, and Mechanical Design exemplifies cutting-edge scientific inquiry with real-world applications. His ongoing doctoral research at IIT Madras, combined with a strong foundation in mechanical engineering and hands-on expertise in advanced materials and testing technologies, positions him as a leading contributor in his field. Dr. Prajapati’s commitment to academic excellence, impactful publications, and multidisciplinary research experience make him a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award, recognizing his outstanding contributions to engineering science and technology.

Professional Development

Dr. Prajapati has actively pursued professional development through hands-on workshops, GIAN courses, and technical training programs 🎓🔧. He attended an 8-day GIAN course on foam and lattice mechanics at IIT Hyderabad 🧩, and received nanofabrication training at IISc Bangalore 🧫. He also completed a 2-day workshop on 3D Printing at IIITDM Jabalpur 🖨️ and industrial training in transformer and gas turbine sections at BHEL Bhopal ⚙️. These engagements enriched his practical skills in MEMS fabrication, 3D printing, and materials analysis, empowering him to merge theory with technology and develop innovative mechanical systems and research methodologies. 🌟

Research Focus

Dr. Prajapati’s research is rooted in the fields of Additive Manufacturing, Tribology, and Advanced Materials 🧬🖨️🛢️. His Ph.D. work centers on designing and characterizing polyether ether ketone (PEEK) surfaces for sliding bearing applications 🧪⚙️. He specializes in analyzing abrasive and adhesive wear under various conditions, especially in journal bearings. His M.Tech work included mathematical modeling of piezoelectric energy harvesting systems 📐🔋. With a focus on sustainable polymers, mechanical wear behavior, and advanced testing techniques, his interdisciplinary research bridges design, manufacturing, and materials science for real-world engineering applications. 🌍🔍

Awards & Honors

🛠️ Best performer during industrial training at BHEL Bhopal (2012)
🎓 Selected for Ph.D. program at IIT Madras – Competitive admission (2019)
🧪 Research contributor in multiple institutional projects at IIITDM Jabalpur
🏅 Conference presentations and paper publications in mechanical engineering research

Publication Top Noted

Effect of the infill percentage of 3D printed Polyetheretherketone under the dry sliding condition – Journal of Manufacturing Processes, 2024, 🧱
Surface design of 3D-printed polyether ether ketone for abrasive wear resistance – Tribology Transactions, 2024, 🛡️
Modeling and numerical characterization of high sensitive microcantilever biosensors with parabolic piezoresistor – Nano, 2018, 🔬
Mechanical and surface characterisation of additively manufactured polyetheretherketone for the tribo test – Rapid Prototyping Journal, 2025, ⚙️
Effect of infill orientation on the wear behaviour of 3D printed polyetheretherketone – Journal of Materials Science, 2024, 📐
Friction Performance of Three-Dimension Printed PEEK for Journal Bearing Application Under Grease Lubrication – Journal of Tribology, 2025, 🛢️
Mathematical modelling of stepped beam energy harvesting using Euler–Bernoulli’s theory – Advanced Materials Conference Proceedings, 2018,📊
Abrasive Wear Prediction of Three-Dimensional Printed PEEK Using Artificial Neural Network – Journal of Tribology, 2025, 🤖

Abel Cherouat | 3D Printing | Research and Development Award

Mr. Abel Cherouat, Université de Technologie de Troyes, France.

Prof. Abel Cherouat is a Full Professor at the University of Technology of Troyes (UTT) and a researcher at UR-GAMMA3, specializing in mechanical engineering, advanced materials, and computational mechanics. With a Research Habilitation (HDR) in 2002 and a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (1994), he has contributed extensively to academia and industry. His expertise spans 3D printing, material forming processes, AI, and deep learning for Industry 4.0. A prolific researcher, he has authored over 110 journal papers, supervised 32 Ph.D. theses, and developed patented software solutions used by major companies like Airbus, Mercedes-Benz, and Dassault Aviation. 🚀📊

Publication Profile

Scopus

Googlescholar

Education & Experience

🔹 Education:

HDR (2002): Mechanical Engineering
Ph.D. (1994): Mechanical Engineering
Master (1991): Mechanics of Materials
Engineering Degree (1989): Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design & Manufacture

🔹 Experience:

Full Professor (since 2003): University of Franche-Comté, PR First Class (since 2012)
Associate Professor (1997-2003): University of Technology of Troyes
Teaching Experience: UTT, UTSEUS (China), ESTP, EPF, DGUT-CNAM, Erasmus programs across Europe
Summer Courses: Taught at Xi’an Jiaotong University, Shanghai University, and BINUS University in AI, 3D printing, and computational mechanics

Suitability Summary

Prof. Abel Cherouat, a Full Professor at the University of Technology of Troyes (UTT), France, is a highly accomplished researcher and educator in the fields of mechanical engineering, materials science, and manufacturing processes. His groundbreaking research, technological innovations, and leadership in academia and industry collaborations make him a prime candidate for the Research and Development Award.

Professional Development

Prof. Abel Cherouat has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of mechanical engineering and computational modeling. He has led groundbreaking research in material forming processes, numerical simulations, and optimization. His contributions extend globally through international collaborations, Erasmus programs, and industrial partnerships. With expertise in AI, deep learning, and Industry 4.0 applications, he has played a key role in developing software tools used by major corporations. A seasoned mentor, he has supervised numerous doctoral and master’s theses, nurturing future engineering leaders. His active participation in conferences, reviews, and committee work showcases his commitment to academic excellence. 🌍🔧

Research Focus

Prof. Abel Cherouat’s research integrates mechanical engineering, materials science, and AI-driven optimization to advance industrial manufacturing and computational mechanics. His expertise includes innovative materials 🏗️ (metallic, composite, agro-composites, and polymers), 3D printing 🖨️, and multiphysics simulations 📈. He specializes in meshing and remeshing methods for industrial applications, process optimization 🔧, and reliability analysis. His work in Industry 4.0 🤖 focuses on deep learning, computer vision, and robotics to enhance smart manufacturing. By bridging experiments, modeling, and simulation, he develops cutting-edge solutions for aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications 🚀🚗🏭.

Publication Top Notes

📘 Finite element simulations of textile composite forming including the biaxial fabric behaviour – Composites Part B: Engineering | 231 citations | 🗓️ 1997

📘 Determination of residual stress in composite laminates using the incremental hole-drilling method – Journal of Composite Materials | 160 citations | 🗓️ 2003

📘 Mechanical and numerical modelling of composite manufacturing processes deep-drawing and laying-up of thin pre-impregnated woven fabrics – Journal of Materials Processing Technology | 145 citations | 🗓️ 2001

📘 Numerical prediction of discontinuous central bursting in axisymmetric forward extrusion by continuum damage mechanics – Computers & Structures | 118 citations | 🗓️ 2004

📘 Influence of experimental parameters on determination of residual stress using the incremental hole-drilling method – Composites Science and Technology | 110 citations | 🗓️ 2004

📘 Experimental study and finite element simulation of a glass fiber fabric shaping process – Polymer Composites | 93 citations | 🗓️ 1995