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  • PhD Candidate Joins Leonardo UK as Failure Analysis Engineer

PhD Candidate Joins Leonardo UK as Failure Analysis Engineer

Fri, 19 January, 2024

Leonardo UK has recently welcomed PhD Candidate Anurag Niranjan as their newest Failure Analysis Engineer.

Anurag has joined the team following his work at NSIRC, where he completed his PhD in the study of residual stresses in ship structures.

Anurag's work at NSIRC focused on characterising residual stresses at the fillet weld toe area of the stiffeners by using advanced tools such as neutron diffraction, and studying the crack behaviour in the presence of residual stress. Residual stresses are an important consideration in the structural integrity of ship welds, and the investigation of residual stresses at the fillet weld toe area will help in the design and prediction of the fatigue life of these welds.

Anurag's research is particularly relevant as welding is an integral part of ship fabrication. In-depth knowledge of residual stresses is necessary to avoid over-designing and, at the same time, help in obtaining an optimum life for the ship structures.

Anurag credits his supervisors, Prof Michael Fitzpatrick (Coventry University) and Dr Yin Jin Janin (TWI Ltd), and mentor Vikram Singh for their guidance and support in achieving this milestone. He also thanks Lloyd's Register Foundation for their sponsorship of his studentship.

Prior to joining NSIRC in 2020, Anurag graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT B), Mumbai, India. After graduation, he joined Element Materials Technology Abu Dhabi in January 2016, where he worked as a Failure Analysis Metallurgist. During his time at Element, Anurag completed multiple failure analysis projects on weld failure and corrosion damages from oil and gas, as well as marine industries. His work-based experience led him to develop an interest in Engineering Critical Assessment (ECA).

Anurag's experience at Element and his PhD research at NSIRC have allowed him to develop a deep understanding of the importance of the structural integrity of materials and the need for a thorough understanding of residual stresses. This knowledge will undoubtedly help him in his new role at on advanced helicopter design at Leonardo UK, in Yeovil.

In his LinkedIn post announcing his new role, Anurag said, "Here's to new beginnings and exciting challenges ahead!"

His enthusiasm is contagious, and it's clear that he's eager to take on new challenges in his role. We wish him the very best for his future endeavors.