Ramkumar came to Purdue from the University of Pennsylvania’s Vagelos Integrated Program in Energy Research (VIPER), where he studied physics, materials science, and engineering. He now is a PhD student under associate professor Marcial Gonzalez, using statistical physics and network science to pioneer cutting-edge predictive modelling techniques for understanding and designing complex physical systems.

The 3-year NDSEG Fellowship program gives financial support to doctoral candidates whose research aligns with the goals of the US Department of Defense. In Ramkumar’s case, his research at Purdue focuses on energetic materials.

“The overarching theme of my research is to understand how macroscopic properties emerge from individual interactions on various length and time scales,” said Ramkumar. “Here at Purdue, we are applying those statistical modelling techniques to minimize the risk for unexpected detonation of energetic materials during transportation and storage.”

Purdue is one of the foremost academic research settings in the world for energetic materials, such as explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics. In 2020, Purdue and the US Army collaborated on a multi-year interdisciplinary partnership to collaborate on next-generation energetic materials. Ramkumar’s research is affiliated with Herrick Labs, the Center for Particulate Products and Process (CP3), and the Purdue Energetics Research Center (PERC).

“I am excited about collaborating with staff scientists in pioneering predictive modelling techniques to intelligently design experiments and formulate energetic materials resilient to external insults,” said Ramkumar. “Such collaborations will effectively leverage scientific discovery for preserving global stability and security by protecting our troops in combat overseas.”

Writer: Jared Pike, jaredpike@purdue.edu, 765-496-0374

Source: Abhinav Ramkumar, aramkum@purdue.edu