Academic Credentials
  • Ph.D., Aerospace Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, India, 2016
  • B.Sc. Eng., Mechanical Engineering, Dayalbagh Educational Institute, India, 2009
Licenses & Certifications
  • Professional Engineer Mechanical, California, #40797

Dr. Pydah specializes in solid mechanics, structural dynamics, design, and finite element analysis (FEA) with expertise in the non-linear dynamics and failure of high-performance structures made of metallic, composite, and ceramic materials. He has extensive experience in developing high-fidelity analytical and computational (FEA) models for the analysis of complex structural assemblages used in the mechanical, aerospace, naval, and automobile industries.

Dr. Pydah's doctoral and post-doctoral research focused on the design, analysis, and failure of structures in extreme environments, where they are subjected to blast loads, ballistic impact, or crashes. This involved the consideration of large deformations, non-linear materials, plasticity, damage and complex failure mechanisms. He also developed novel foldable, deployable, and adaptable origami structures. His research has found applications as blast mitigating metamaterials in civil/defense vehicles and infrastructure, as armor and impact protectors for infantry and athletes, as tunable energy harvesters, and as multi-functional outer space habitats for inter-planetary missions.

At Virginia Tech, Dr. Pydah was the technical advisor to the Virginia Tech Wind Turbine Team which developed renewable energy solutions for local and international farms. He regularly volunteers as a scientific judge for regional and state science fairs as well as the Department of Energy National Science Bowl.