Viren Thakore
HOLTEC INTERNATIONAL
Voorhees
2
Languages
1
Certification
10
years of professional experience
Mechanical Engineering Analyst with nearly four years of nuclear engineering experience specializing in FEA, structural analysis, and ASME Code-based design of advanced SMR components. Experienced with the Holtec SMR-300 and IET projects, including Reactor Pressure Vessels, Steam Generators, Section III/Section VIII heat exchangers, nozzles, flanges, supports, and other pressure-retaining components. Advanced expertise in ANSYS for static and transient structural/thermal, modal, buckling, fatigue, seismic response spectrum, and fluid-structure interaction analyses. Strong knowledge of ASME Section III and Section VIII code interpretation and implementation, with experience using PV Elite, CodeCalc, COMPRESS, and Excel for engineering calculations and analysis post-processing. Led IET RPV analysis through completion and delivery to the INL test facility and collaborated with vendors on CVAP involving CFD and structural analysis of reactor internals and Steam Generator tube bundles. PhD-trained engineer with research experience in advanced energy technologies and collaboration with ORNL.
Work History
Mechanical Engineering Analyst
4 Years 2 Months- Lead advanced Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using ANSYS for critical nuclear components, including Reactor Pressure Vessels (RPVs), Steam Generators, heat exchangers, pressure-retaining components, supports, nozzles, flanges, and structural attachments, under static, thermal, seismic, dynamic, and cyclic loading conditions.
- Perform detailed stress, deformation, fatigue, buckling, and structural integrity evaluations for SMR components, translating complex operating and design-basis loads into robust engineering analyses in accordance with ASME Section III and Section VIII requirements.
- Lead mechanical and structural analysis activities for the Holtec SMR-300, including Steam Generator and heat exchanger evaluations, with responsibility for developing, reviewing, and delivering FEA models, load cases, stress reports, and engineering calculations supporting component design and licensing.
- Apply comprehensive knowledge of ASME BPVC Section III and Section VIII, including code interpretation, allowable stress criteria, stress categorization, primary/secondary/peak stress evaluations, fatigue assessment, pressure boundary requirements, and design-by-analysis methodologies for nuclear and non-nuclear pressure-retaining components.
- Conduct FEA of Section III Class 1/2/3 and Section VIII pressure-retaining equipment, including heat exchangers, steam generators, RPVs, nozzles, flanges, lugs, supports, and other complex components subjected to pressure, thermal gradients, mechanical, seismic, and external loading.
- Lead and coordinate Integral Effects Test (IET) Reactor Pressure Vessel structural analysis through design and fabrication, completing and delivering the RPV for testing at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) test facility while ensuring structural integrity, code compliance, manufacturability, and applicable test requirements.
- Develop and review detailed FEA models and engineering assessments for critical RPV components, including major nozzles, bottom closure/blind flange, support structures, lifting features, and other pressure-boundary components, evaluating stress, deformation, fatigue, and structural adequacy under applicable design and operational load combinations.
- Collaborate directly with equipment vendors and multidisciplinary engineering teams on Comprehensive Vibration Assessment Program (CVAP) activities for reactor internals and Steam Generator tube bundles, integrating CFD-generated flow loads with structural FEA to evaluate flow-induced vibration, structural response, and component integrity.
- Support development and review of CVAP analyses, including evaluation of flow-induced vibration and structural response of reactor internals and steam generator tube bundles, and coordinate with vendors to ensure analytical methodologies and results satisfy project and nuclear industry requirements.
- Apply ASME Code Cases and alternative design methodologies to support innovative SMR component designs, interpreting code requirements and translating them into practical engineering analysis criteria for pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and nuclear components.
- Perform technical reviews of engineering calculations, FEA models, fabrication drawings, design specifications, and vendor deliverables to verify compliance with ASME requirements, design inputs, material requirements, stress limits, and applicable nuclear quality and licensing expectations.
- Work across the complete engineering lifecycle—from conceptual design and FEA modeling through detailed analysis, vendor coordination, fabrication support, design verification, and delivery of nuclear components—providing practical analysis solutions for advanced Small Modular Reactor (SMR) systems.
- Mentor junior engineers in FEA modeling, structural mechanics, ASME Section III/VIII requirements, stress analysis methodologies, engineering judgment, and best practices for nuclear component design and analysis.
Teaching Assistant
6 Months- Teach the relationship among materials' composition, processing, and properties
- Taught relationship among materials' composition, processing, and properties to enhance student understanding
- Perform experiments to help student learn the concept of material properties
- Explain data analysis and interpreting the results of experiments in writing reports
- Demonstrated complex techniques and facilitated student interaction, fostering responsibility for learning and progress pacing
- Checked equipment and utilities while coordinating ordering of lab supplies to ensure smooth lab operations
Research Assistant
3 Years 11 Months- Perform experiments for Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) to test for aqueous foam thermal stability for potential candidate as fracturing fluid
- Construct high temperature and high-pressure laboratory equipment to measure thermal aqueous foam stability
- Prepare surfactant base fluids with specific concentration with the addition of stabilizing agents such as guar, silicon dioxide, and graphene oxide nanoparticles
- Conducted microscopic research analysis of foam bubble rheology, including coalescence, coarsening, and drainage
- FEA modelling with Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM) of granite samples to investigate fracture toughness for EGS application
- Microscopic research analysis of foam bubbles rheology like, coalesces, coarsening, and drainage
- Manifesting analytical model based on experimental data, development of2D and3D non-linear curve fitting
- Presented documented findings to research team leader at ORNL through weekly presentations, facilitating informed decision-making
- Maintained quarterly and annual report for Department of Energy (DOE)
- Image analysis with of crack geometry using ImageJ and Amira software
- Plan, modify and execute research techniques, procedures, and tests
- Summarized research results by preparing written reports, graphs, fact sheets, and tables for effective communication of findings
- Managed inventory levels to ensure adequate supply for laboratory operations. and resolve before supplies are diminished
Teaching Assistant
4 Months- Taught small groups of students focused on specific parts of Engineering Static and Heat Transfer courses
- Reviewed assignments, proctored tests, and assigned grades in alignment with university standards, ensuring fair assessment of student performance
- Checked assignments, proctored tests, and provided grades according to university standards
- Administered research tasks and maintained records to support professor's projects
Laboratory Assistant
1 Year 4 Months- Established visual aids, equipment, and classroom displays to enhance professor's lessons
- Collaborated with professors to design and execute lessons aligned with school's curriculum and educational objectives
- Monitored advancements in renewable energy technologies
Graduate Research Assistant
1 Year 9 Months- Researched Thermal Energy Storage to support professors' academic projects
- Studied effects of nano-particles on phase change materials (PCM) for ongoing project
- Performed statistical, qualitative, and quantitative analysis for total energy stored by PCM
- Conducted statistical, qualitative, and quantitative analysis on energy storage capacity of PCM
- Researched information regarding Thermal Energy Storage to assist professors with academic pursuits
- Prepared materials for reports, presentations, and submission to peer-reviewed conference publications
- Contributed to ASME conference by writing scientific paper
Education
Ph.D. - Mechanical Engineering
Master of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Bachelor of Science - Mechanical Engineering
Skills
ANSYS: FEA
static/transient structural & thermal
modal
buckling
fatigue
seismic response spectrum
dynamic
and FSI analysis.
ASME Section III & VIII: Code interpretation
stress analysis
design-by-analysis
fatigue
pressure boundary
and code compliance.
PV Elite: ASME Section VIII-1 pressure vessel design and analysis.
CodeCalc: Section VIII-1 nozzle
flange
tubesheet
and pressure component analysis.
COMPRESS: Section VIII-1 pressure vessel and heat exchanger design and analysis.
Microsoft Excel: FEA/PVE post-processing
engineering calculations
data analysis
and technical reporting.
COMSOL Multiphysics: Solid mechanics
CFD
FSI
stress
and fracture mechanics analysis.
OriginLab: Nonlinear curve fitting
regression
statistical analysis
and data visualization.
SolidWorks: 3D modeling
assemblies
engineering drawings
and component design.
LabVIEW: Data acquisition
hardware control
testing
and instrumentation.
Microsoft Office: Technical reports
engineering documentation
presentations
and analysis summaries.
ImageJ: Image processing
scaling
thresholding
and quantitative analysis.
Amira: 3D visualization
image processing
volume rendering
and data analysis.
Accomplishments
- Successfully completed and delivered the Integral Effects Test (IET) Reactor Pressure Vessel structural analysis for the SMR-300 project, supporting approval to proceed with fabrication and manufacturing at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL) test facility.
- Completed ASME Section III – Design by Analysis for Class 1, 2, and 3 Pressure Vessels training, strengthening expertise in nuclear pressure vessel design, stress evaluation, and ASME Code requirements.
- Completed ASME Fracture Mechanics training, with emphasis on fracture assessment and structural integrity evaluation of pressure-retaining components.
- Completed ASME Flow-Induced Vibration (FIV) training, strengthening expertise in vibration assessment and flow-induced response of nuclear components and internals.
Certification
ASME Section III, Class 1, 2, and 3 Design by Stress Analysis, ASME Fracture Mechanics
Languages
English
Full Professional
Hindi
Native or Bilingual
Publications
- Thakore, V., Ren, F., Wang, H., Wang, J.-A. J., Polsky, Y.: "Stability Study of Aqueous Foams Under High-Temperature and High-Pressure Conditions Relevent to Enhanced Geotherma Systems (EGS)", Geothermics 116, 102862, 2024.
- Thakore, V., Ren, F., Wang, H., Wang, J.-A. J., Polsky, Y.: High Temperature and High-Pressure Thermal Stability of Aqueous Foams for Application in Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) PROCEEDINGS,47th Work. Geotherm. Reserv. Eng. Stanford Univ. Stanford, California, Febr.7-9,2022
- Thakore, V., Ren, F., Voytek, J., Xi, J., Wang, H., Wang, J.-A.J., Polsky, Y.: High-Temperature Stability of Aqueous Foams for Potential Application in Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), Proceedings,46th Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Eng., Stanford U., Stanford, CA, Feb.15-17,2021
- Thakore, V., Ren, F., Voytek, J., Xi, J., Wang, H., Wang, J.-A.J., Polsky, Y.: High-Temperature Stability of Aqueous Foams as Potential Waterless Hydrofracking Media for Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS), Proceedings,45th Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Eng., Stanford U., Stanford, CA, Feb.10-12,2020, SGP-TR-216
- Wang, Hong, Wang, Jy-An John, Polsky, Yarom, Ren, Fei, Li, Haoqi, Thakore, Virensinh, & Xi, Jiaxin. Granite Foam Fracturing Study for the Development of Enhanced Geothermal Systems. Proceedings,46th Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Eng., Stanford U., Stanford, CA, Feb.15-17,2021
- Wang, Hong, Wang, Jy-An John, Polsky, Yarom, Ren, Fei, Li, Haoqi, Thakore, Virensinh, & Xi, Jiaxin. Study of Foam Fracturing for Enhanced Geothermal Systems Using Model Material. Proceedings,45th Workshop on Geothermal Reservoir Eng., Stanford U., Stanford, CA, Feb.10-12,2020, SGP-TR-216
- Tiari, S, Mahdavi, M, Thakore, V, & Joseph, S. 'Thermal Analysis of a High-Temperature Heat Pipe-Assisted Thermal Energy Storage System with Nano-Enhanced Phase Change Material.' Proceedings of the ASME2018 International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition. Volume6B: Energy. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. November9-15,2018. V06BT08A050. ASME
- Zaher A., Abdel-Magied R., El Khouly H. "Improving Plastic Manufacturing Processes with the Integration of Six Sigma and Machine Learning Techniques: A Case Study", Journal of Industrial and Production Engineering, 2023.
Timeline
Mechanical Engineering Analyst
HOLTEC INTERNATIONAL
08.2022 - CurrentRead More
Teaching Assistant
Temple University
01.2022 - 07.2022Read More
Research Assistant
Temple University
08.2018 - 07.2022Read More
Teaching Assistant
Temple University
08.2018 - 12.2018Read More
Laboratory Assistant
Gannon University
01.2017 - 05.2018Read More
Graduate Research Assistant
Gannon University
08.2016 - 05.2018Read More
MIT College Of Engineering
Bachelor of Science from Mechanical Engineering
Read More
Gannon University
Master of Science from Mechanical Engineering
Read More
Temple University
Ph.D. from Mechanical Engineering
Read More