Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Santa Barbara, 2023
  • M.Sc., Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Iran, 2017
  • B.Sc., Mechanical Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Iran, 2014
Academic Appointments
  • Finite Element Method Lecturer, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of California Santa Barbara, 2022
Professional Affiliations
  • American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
  • Association for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST)
  • American Society for Metals (ASM International)

Dr. Behnam Ahmadikia specializes in solid mechanics, finite element analysis (FEA), mechanical design, and mechanics of materials. His expertise in simulation couples mechanical behavior with application-specific optimization of a wide range of materials including metallic alloys and composite materials used in applications such as medical devices, aerospace, energy, and utilities. He is also experienced with microstructure characterization techniques (e.g., electron microscopy and crystallography) and experimental methods including mechanical and fatigue testing of structural materials. Dr. Ahmadikia is interested in leveraging state-of-the-art, multi-scale experimental observations with computational methods to perform root cause failure analysis, as well as incorporating machine learning tools to investigate and design high-performance materials for targeted applications. With extensive expertise at the nexus of mechanical engineering and materials science, Dr. Ahmadikia is well-positioned to provide technical solutions to multidisciplinary problems.

Dr. Ahmadikia completed his Ph.D. at the University of California Santa Barbara, where his research focused on developing strategies and computational models for analyzing material behavior with an emphasis on grain-scale deformation mechanisms, such as slip bands and twins. Dr. Ahmadikia's novel simulation technique has resulted in major advancements in identifying and preventing crack-susceptible microstructural features and designing new materials with improved, targeted properties. During his M.S. studies, Dr. Ahmadikia conducted research on fatigue life extension of stainless-steel welded joints via surface modification techniques, such as severe plastic deformation via shot peening. His research leveraged experimental testing and finite element analysis of welding and high-energy impact processes to provide strategies for extending the service life of structures.

In addition to his research at the intersection of mechanical engineering and materials science, Dr. Ahmadikia served an active role in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students at the University of California Santa Barbara. He led a training course on the commercial FEA software Abaqus and assisted with several courses including strength of materials, fluid mechanics, and multi-physics simulation.