Dr. R. Raja

Dr. R. Raja is an Associate Professor in the Division of Mechanical Engineering at Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Anna University (2015), an M.E. in Industrial Engineering from Bharathiar University (1999), and a B.E. in Automobile Engineering from Bharathiar University (1996). His research interests include drilling and machining of polymer matrix and metal matrix composites, synthesis and characterization of polymer matrix composites, and Friction Stir Welding and Friction Stir Processing.

His research activities focus on composite materials, machining, friction stir processing, and manufacturing technologies. He has published 38 international journal papers and 7 international conference papers, with 80 Scopus citations, 95 Google Scholar citations, and an h-index of 5. He has also submitted a patent titled Backing Plate for FSP with Improved Cooling.

Dr. R. Raja has undertaken a research project on time study in the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme for arriving at the schedule of rates, funded by the Tamil Nadu Government during 2020–2021. His research guidance includes 6 ongoing Ph.D. theses and 13 completed Master's theses. His teaching interests include Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Industrial Safety Engineering, Statistical Quality Control and Reliability Engineering, Quality Concepts in Design, Quality Engineering, and Manufacturing Technology.

He has extensive academic experience in Mechanical Engineering at KITS, serving as Associate Professor from 2021 onwards and Assistant Professor from 2010–2021. He previously served as Senior Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering from 2006–2010 and Lecturer in Production Engineering from 2000–2006. His academic and research contributions are centered on composite materials, manufacturing processes, quality engineering, and friction stir-based technologies.