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
Education & Experience
🎓 Education:
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🏛️ Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Machine Design) – IIT Madras (2019–2024) – 7.75/10
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🏫 M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering (Design) – PDPM IIITDM Jabalpur (2014–2016) – 6.5/10
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🏫 B.E. in Mechanical Engineering – TIT (Excellence), Bhopal | RGPV (2009–2013) – 72.9%
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📘 12th (Science with Maths) – Kendriya Vidyalaya, Dhanpuri (2008–2009) – 61.4%
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📘 10th (All Subjects) – JNV Amarkantak (2006–2007) – 68.4%
🧑🏫 Experience:
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🔬 Junior Research Fellow – PDPM IIITDM Jabalpur (Dec 2017 – Dec 2018)
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👨🏫 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
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🛠️ Best performer during industrial training at BHEL Bhopal (2012)
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🎓 Selected for Ph.D. program at IIT Madras – Competitive admission (2019)
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🧪 Research contributor in multiple institutional projects at IIITDM Jabalpur
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🏅 Conference presentations and paper publications in mechanical engineering research
Publication Top Noted
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Effect of the infill percentage of 3D printed Polyetheretherketone under the dry sliding condition – Journal of Manufacturing Processes, 2024, 🧱
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Surface design of 3D-printed polyether ether ketone for abrasive wear resistance – Tribology Transactions, 2024, 🛡️
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Modeling and numerical characterization of high sensitive microcantilever biosensors with parabolic piezoresistor – Nano, 2018, 🔬
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Mechanical and surface characterisation of additively manufactured polyetheretherketone for the tribo test – Rapid Prototyping Journal, 2025, ⚙️
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Effect of infill orientation on the wear behaviour of 3D printed polyetheretherketone – Journal of Materials Science, 2024, 📐
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Friction Performance of Three-Dimension Printed PEEK for Journal Bearing Application Under Grease Lubrication – Journal of Tribology, 2025, 🛢️
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Mathematical modelling of stepped beam energy harvesting using Euler–Bernoulli’s theory – Advanced Materials Conference Proceedings, 2018,📊
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Abrasive Wear Prediction of Three-Dimensional Printed PEEK Using Artificial Neural Network – Journal of Tribology, 2025, 🤖