Resume

1. Ravi Akula
San Jose, CA 95134 | linkedin.com/in/ravi-akula | 405-762-1160 | ravirajanaidu@gmail.com
SUMMARY
Experienced Computer Aided Mechanical Engineering professional, CAE-Structures (NVH and Durability) with over 6
years of proven industrial experience in a traditional and EV global automotive R&D’s as well as 2.5 years of published
academic research in advanced material testing and characterization. Expert in building well correlated and validated finite
element models (FEM) from scratch. Implemented simulation programs/projects equipped with deep knowledge across a
variety of solution sequences consisting of linear static, non-linear, modal, vibration/frequency response, impact,
optimization and fatigue employing commercial implicit/explicit solvers and pre/post processors. Performed various
analysis on Chassis, Closures, Seating, Steering, PT mountings and BIW systems to enhance their functional performance,
life, strength, vibration response and reliability of automobile components. Highly familiar with scripting methods using
python, tcl/tk and session generation to automate repeatable processes for cheaper and accurate predictions.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Engineer CAE Structures (NVH and Durability) Aug’2018-Present
NIO USA Inc (formerly NextEV), San Jose, California, USA
 Performed functional linear static, modal/ frequency analysis on Steer by wire system. Benchmarked and correlated
CAE results/tests. Optimized the steering beam assembly for weight vs stiffness improvement.
 Conducted what-if stiffness and frequency analysis on global/local NVH load cases for ES8 BIW Smart Aluminum
(sandwich) variant vs monolithic variant to advice the viability of new material.
 Developed methodology for proof of concept non-linear FEA analysis on torsional springs in series for Brake by wire.
Communicated to design team seamlessly through JIRA and Confluence.
 Studied the CLD, corner and pressure leakage load characteristics of primary door seal for using LS-Dyna
explicit/Abaqus std. Suggested better design changes through sensitivity analysis on the seal section.
 Determined suitable hyper elastic material model for plain strain 2D door seal using uniaxial rubber specimen testing
and strain energy potential material calibration. Contributed to process automation using Python scripting.
 Performed full vehicle fatigue life assessment for base, SPR and PSD analysis on electronic components based on ISO
16750-3 standards for electronic components. Done in collaboration with NIO-UK facility.
 Studied new platform long seat track section using the FBD forces using Hyperbeam model loaded with seat belt
anchorage. Topology optimization carried out subject to reduced mass fraction and weighted compliance.
 Analyzed fully reclining seat concept to validate its non-linearity of pushing and sliding action within a load-
displacement target. Sliding bar/ guide bracket assy was iteratively modified in CAE for improvement.
 Simulated and implemented prototype design for door track buck and sliding door-bearing configurations to avoid
slack in the contact interface and COG ‘dropoff’. Stiffness and NVH properties were improved.
 Improved the attachment stiffness and overall NVH properties of Cross car beam light weight design simulating the
MAT8 and PCOMP orthogonality of the Carbon and Glass fiber composite architecture.
Senior Research Engineer CAE Structures (NVH and Durability) Jan’2014- Dec’2015
Hyundai Motor Company (R&D), Hyderabad, India
 Simulated full operational strength and durability boundary procedures for various passenger platforms.
 Analyzed FV passenger platforms for global and local NVH boundary procedures including diagnostic modal
participation, FRF, ODS, IPI, and TPA procedures. Specific stiffness was improved and recorded.
 Collaborated with test engineers, and MBD engineers to acquire virtual loads data to check the suitability of road load
(RLDA) input for CAE based fatigue and strength analysis.
 Performed radial and cornering fatigue and reliability analysis of alloy and steel wheels, clutch and brake pedal
life/damage assessment using MSC-Fatigue.
 Implemented simulation procedures for engine mounting brackets and road wheels to integrate design parameters,
weight and performance targets and reduced cost using design of experiments (DOE).
 Full turn steering impact analysis intended to secure rack by designing T-rod as slender element using ABAQUS
implicit. Wheel impact analysis with and without jig using ABAQUS explicit.
 Impact analysis of different variants of alloy and steel wheels with and without jig using ABAQUS explicit.

2. Research Engineer CAE Structures (NVH and Durability) Aug’2010- Dec’2013
Hyundai Motor Company (R&D), Hyderabad, India
 FEA modeling across various passenger platforms of various parts, sub and complete systems of chassis, powertrain,
BIW and seating systems using Hypermesh and ANSA
 FEA modeling of various solver suitable 1d/2d/3d connector types and joints including seam & spot welds, bolting,
bearing and shrink fits using Hypermesh, ANSA and FE-gate.
 Supporting in sharing FEA modeling activity of full crash vehicle modeling team complying to all local safety
standards to be analyzed in LS-dyna for multiple crash scenarios.
Material Characterization Engineer Jan’2016-May’2018
Mechanics of Advanced Materials Lab at Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
 Studied quasi-static mechanical response of carbon fiber polymer matrix composite laminates subjected to constant
low DC as a part of Master’s Thesis program.
 Performed material characterization of CFRP samples by performing 3-point bend, CLC, trans-laminar fracture, Fiber
volume %, Glass- transition, DSC, DMA, SEM and FTIR tests.
EDUCATION
Master of Science in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering(3.5/4GPA) May’2018
Oklahoma State University – Stillwater, Oklahoma
Bachelor of Technology in Mechanical Engineering (3.7/4GPA) June’2018
Vasavi College of Engineering, Osmania University – Hyderabad, India
TECHNICAL SKILLS
Experimental test/characterization: Uniaxial tension/compression testing, TGA, TMA, DSC, DMA, 3-point bend,
Fracture toughness (Inter and Translaminar), SEM and ATR-FTIR
Design and Analysis Software: CATIA, Altair- Hypermesh, Hyperview, Hyperstudy and Hypergraph, ANSA, META,
LS-DYNA (Explicit & Implicit) OPTISTRUCT, NASTRAN, ABAQUS (Explicit and Implicit), MSC Fatigue and nCode.
CERTIFICATIONS /TRAINING/PUBLICATIONS
 Design for Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
 SUN Certified Programmer for the JAVA 2 Platform, Standard Edition 5.0
 Advanced Training on ‘Hypermesh/view/study/graph, Simlab and Inspire’ at Hyundai Motors, Hyderabad by Altair
Engineering MSC Fatigue Advanced Abaqus tool usage at Hyundai Motors, Hyderabad by Simulia
 Dale Carnegie -Certificate of Achievement -Achieving Success through Human Relation Skills.
 ETS certification on effective communication and presentation at NIO USA Inc
 NAFEMS certified in “Introduction to dynamics using FEA course
 Master’s thesis publication in ProquestTM
on Electrical degradation of Carbon fiber composites and ASME
publication on Mechanical degradation of CFRP composites subjected to low dc electric currents.
ORGANISATIONS AND AWARDS
ASME (American Society for Mechanical Engineers August’2017- May’2018
 Student section representative: update professional ASME Tulsa midcontinent section of happenings at ASME student
chapter at OSU-Tulsa.
 Awarded Student leader scholarship award by the professional ASME Midcontinent section Tulsa in recognition of
service offered towards outreach programs intended to increase STEM awareness among Tulsa community college
students.
MRS (Materials Research Society Jan ’2018- May’2018
 Seminar and guest lecture committee member: gather grad/undergrad student and professor’s opinion in the selection
of a guest speaker for every two months.
 Publicized and organized student research presentation events.