VELMURUGAN PALANIYANDI
Metallurgical Engineer

Mr. Palaniyandi has extensive professional experience in mechanical testing, failure analysis, and material selection in low alloy steels, stainless steels, super alloys, copper alloys and cast iron. He is also experienced in the field of research pertaining to materials characterization and in analyzing the corrosion behavior of high temperature materials.

EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

• M.S., Materials Science and Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis (2005)
• M.S., Metallurgical Engineering, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, (2002)
• B.E in Metallurgical Engineering (1997) Regional Engineering College, Trichy, India.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Performed metallographic evaluation on materials and wrote technical reports for customers.
• Investigated failure mechanism for a wide range of materials using scanning electron microscope.
• Analyzed casting defects and recommended alternative materials or manufacturing processes by evaluating the service conditions and environment.
• Performed defect study and corrosion analysis on parts from petrochemical industries.
• Reverse engineered aerospace materials by revealing the material composition, prior fabrication history, and heat treatment condition.
• Developed and prepared test plans and test procedures from concept state to final report phase.
• Evaluated weld overlay defects as per weld procedures specifications such as ASME, AWS.
• Investigated mechanical properties of fiber reinforced composite materials using Instron and DMA.
• Analyzed polymer crystallization behavior using DSC, TGA and hot melt stage microscope.
• Improved mechanical properties of polymer materials by process modification.
• Evaluated size and dispersion of nanoparticles using TEM, AFM and PCS methods.
• Performed microstructural, structural, and analytical studies on the nickel catalyst using high-resolution electron imaging techniques.
• Projected results explaining the fundamental of metal dispersion and discovered an unidentified microstructure in the catalyst.
• Designed new alloys with a refractory coating for interconnect material used in fuel cell assembly.
• Evaluated diffusion and bonding behavior of the coated alloys in corrosive environment.
• Analyzed corrosion behavior of the interconnect materials in simulated conditions.
• Performed fatigue tests required for acceptance of materials and parts through standard procedures.
• Conducted process optimization studies during surface hardening.
• Provided metallurgical and technical support in the development of new products and processes.
• Performed failure analysis on chain components and recommended corrective actions.
• Qualified company raw material suppliers and ensured quality of incoming materials met established customer requirements.
• Monitored and assisted in resolving heat treatment issues, tooling problems, furnace, and material problems.
• Minimized potential tool failure by failure analysis and FMEA.
• Provided technical support to marketing in the development of new material and specifications to customers.
• Implemented ISO 9000 standards in the shop floor and performed periodic interdepartmental audits.
  

SELECTED REPORTS, PUBLICATIONS, AND INVITED LECTURES

Palaniyandi, Velmurugan and Simonsen, John, Effect of Compatibilizers on the Crystallization Kinetics of Cellulose-Filled High Density Polyethylene, Composite Interfaces, Volume 14, Number 1 (2007), p. 73-83.

Palaniyandi, V., Shamsuzohoa, M. Ada, E.T., Zangari, G., and Reddy, R.G., Microstructural Evolution of Nickel Nanoparticle Catalysts Supported on Gadolinium-Doped Ceria during Autothermal Reforming of Iso-Octane, Journal of Electronic Materials, Volume 35, Number 5 (May 2006), pp. 814-821(8).

Palaniyandi, Velmurugan, Simonsen, John, Nanocrystalline Cellulose Filled High-Density Polyethylene, Micro-Nanobreakthrough Conference, Portland, OR (July28-29, 2004).

Simonsen, John, Wang, Junzuo, Palaniyandi, Velmurugan, Cellulose Nanocrystal Composites. 225th ACS National Meeting, New Orleans, LA (March 23--27, 2003), CELL-126.