Kamlesh Chandra - Corrosion and failure analysis - Best Researcher Award

Homi Bhabha National Institute - India

AUTHOR PROFILE

SCOPUS

ORCID

🌟 SUMMARY

Kamlesh Chandra is a distinguished materials scientist and corrosion expert affiliated with Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, where the role spans research and teaching as a Scientific Officer (H) and Associate Professor at Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI). With a Ph.D. in Metallurgical Engineering and Materials Science from IIT Bombay, the academic and professional journey reflects deep commitment to metallurgy, corrosion science, and nuclear engineering. Over two decades of experience has led to authoring more than 75 scientific papers. Known for pioneering insights into corrosion behavior, alloy performance, and material failure analysis, Kamlesh's work is well-cited in international literature.

🎓 EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS

The academic foundation began with a Bachelor of Engineering in Metallurgy from BIT Sindri, Vinoba Bhave University, securing a strong 75%. This was followed by a prestigious orientation course in Nuclear Science & Engineering at BARC Training School, where Kamlesh ranked first nationally in the metallurgical discipline, earning the Homi Bhabha Gold Medal. Driven by a passion for corrosion research and structural integrity of metals, the academic pursuit culminated in a Ph.D. from IIT Bombay. These formative academic experiences were instrumental in shaping a deep analytical mindset and a strong foundation in physical metallurgy and electrochemical sciences.

🏛️ PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS

Serving as Scientific Officer (H) at BARC and Associate Professor at HBNI, Kamlesh Chandra is a respected figure in nuclear materials science. The professional journey has included supervising postgraduate students, delivering advanced lectures on corrosion science, and conducting peer reviews for international journals. A postdoctoral research tenure at BAM, Berlin, under the Adolf-Martens Fellowship, expanded the global research footprint. With involvement in critical government-led research initiatives, the role encompasses strategic studies in material degradation, stainless steel behavior, and long-term corrosion resistance—all pivotal to India’s nuclear and industrial safety programs.

🧪 CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS

Research by Kamlesh Chandra centers on corrosion science, stainless steel degradation, high-temperature oxidation, and failure analysis. Noteworthy studies include investigations on phase transformations in SS 321, corrosion resistance in nitric acid environments, and aging effects in stainless steel welds. The work blends microstructural analysis, electrochemical testing, and mechanical property evaluation. A distinct research theme lies in developing corrosion-resistant materials for reprocessing plants and fluid systems in nuclear power. The focus on real-world industrial corrosion problems and material failures showcases a rare integration of theoretical depth with practical applicability, making significant contributions to metallurgical safety and engineering solutions.

🏅 ACCOLADES AND RECOGNITION

Kamlesh Chandra’s excellence has been recognized through numerous prestigious awards, including the Homi Bhabha Gold Medal, DAE Young Applied Scientist Award, and the S.K. Seshadri Memorial Award. The best Ph.D. thesis award from NACE International (India) highlights outstanding contributions to corrosion science. Being named Fellow of AMPP reflects international recognition in materials protection. The Adolf-Martens Fellowship enabled advanced postdoctoral research in Germany. These accolades underscore a consistent record of scientific excellence, innovation, and leadership. Recognition from India's leading atomic energy institution and international corrosion societies further validates the enduring impact and rigor of the research contributions.

🌍 IMPACT AND INFLUENCE

The research has influenced safety standards in reprocessing plants, informed decisions on alloy selection, and guided preventive strategies in corrosion management. With an h-index of 18, the academic work has shaped international understanding of material aging, intergranular corrosion, and oxide behavior in critical environments. Contributions to engineering failure analysis have enhanced reliability in process industries and public sector infrastructure. Kamlesh Chandra's findings are routinely cited in metallurgical journals, safety reviews, and industrial design manuals. The commitment to mentoring, peer-reviewing, and contributing to institutional teaching demonstrates a strong multiplier effect across India’s science and technology ecosystem.

🔬 LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS

With a career deeply embedded in scientific integrity, Kamlesh Chandra is poised to leave a lasting legacy in materials science. Future directions include developing novel alloys for extreme environments, advancing corrosion-resistant technologies for clean energy systems, and mentoring the next generation of materials scientists. Emerging challenges in nuclear safety, hydrogen embrittlement, and smart coatings are key areas of focus. Building upon foundational work in stainless steel behavior and corrosion mechanisms, Kamlesh’s expertise continues to drive interdisciplinary innovation. The legacy lies not only in scholarly outputs but also in strengthening India’s scientific infrastructure in corrosion engineering and metallurgical reliability.

PUBLICATIONS

Title: A comprehensive study on microstructural development, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of SS 321 flange service-aged at 540 °C for 100,000 h
Journal: Materials Science and Engineering A, 2025

Title: Thermal aging effects on Tensile and Metallurgical characteristics of Stainless steel weld joint
Journal: [Conference Paper – Journal name not provided], Open Access

Title: Sigma phase precipitation and growth in solution annealed 321 stainless steel during thermal aging: Effects on toughness & intergranular corrosion
Journal: Materials Science and Engineering A, 2023

Title: Laser surface melting of 304L SS: increase in resistance to transpassive dissolution and pitting corrosion
Journal: Corrosion Engineering Science and Technology, 2023