Mr Ralston Pinto, Robert Bosch GmbH, Germany
Ralston Pinto, born on October 31, 1994, in India, is a mechanical engineer specializing in modeling and simulation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) contacts. Currently pursuing a PhD at RWTH Aachen University in collaboration with Robert Bosch GmbH and Forschungszentrum Jülich, he focuses on predicting contact mechanics in manufactured cells. Ralston’s expertise extends to finite element methods, material subroutines, and automation using Python and MATLAB. He has also worked on process influences on sensing elements during his master’s thesis at Bosch and has substantial experience in project management from his tenure at Hamon Group in India. Ralston is driven by the challenge of solving real-time engineering problems and values environments that foster innovative thinking and professional growth.
Publication Profile
Orcid
Education
Ralston Pinto is currently pursuing his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at RWTH Aachen University, with a project focused on modeling and simulation of SOFC contacts in collaboration with Robert Bosch GmbH and Forschungszentrum Jülich. He holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Rheinwaal University of Applied Sciences, where he studied process engineering, materials, and simulation, earning a final grade of 1.8. His master’s thesis focused on understanding process influences on crack failure modes in exhaust gas sensors. Ralston completed his Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Mumbai, specializing in structural mechanics, fluid mechanics, simulation and CAD, thermodynamics, and process engineering. His bachelor’s thesis involved designing and assembling a pedal-powered water purification vehicle to address water scarcity in rural India.
Experience
Ralston Pinto is currently engaged in doctoral research at Robert Bosch GmbH in Bamberg, Germany, focusing on the modeling and simulation of SOFC contacts using finite element methods. His work involves investigating the pressures on Solid Oxide Cell contacts and developing material subroutines for anisotropic plasticity. Previously, he completed a master’s thesis at Bosch in Stuttgart, Germany, exploring crack failure modes in exhaust gas sensors. Ralston also interned at Bosch, working on developing protective coatings for sensor elements. His early career includes a position as an Assistant Project Engineer at Hamon Group in Mumbai, India, where he coordinated national-level power sector projects, managed resource allocation, and controlled production processes. His diverse experiences have equipped him with a unique understanding of both project management and hands-on engineering tasks.
Awards and Honors
Ralston Pinto has been recognized for his academic excellence and professional contributions. He received the Deutschland Stipendium from the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung, awarded for his outstanding academic performance at Rheinwaal University of Applied Sciences. This prestigious scholarship is given to students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievements and social commitment. During his tenure at Bosch, Ralston was involved in significant research projects that led to the implementation of his findings in the field. His contributions to the modeling and simulation of SOFC contacts and process influences on sensor failure modes have been well-received in the scientific community. Ralston’s dedication to solving real-world engineering problems and his innovative approach to research have earned him accolades and recognition from both academic and professional circles.
Research Focus
Ralston Pinto’s research primarily focuses on the modeling and simulation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) contacts. His doctoral thesis at RWTH Aachen University, in collaboration with Robert Bosch GmbH and Forschungszentrum Jülich, aims to predict the contact mechanics of manufactured cells, incorporating non-ideal aspects like tolerance distributions and uneven profiles. Ralston employs finite element methods, homogenization techniques, and anisotropic plasticity subroutines in his simulations. He also integrates Python and MATLAB for automation and data generation, utilizing machine learning methods for optimization. His master’s research at Bosch involved understanding process influences on crack failure modes in exhaust gas sensors, where he developed experimental methods and analyzed empirical data. Ralston’s broad research interests include computational fluid dynamics (CFD), materials science, process engineering, and the development of innovative solutions for real-world engineering challenges.
Publication Top Notes
A constitutive model for homogenized solid oxide cell contacts with dimensional tolerances
Homogenization of fuel cell interconnects to determine the contacting configuration in a stack