YVRK Prasad earned his BSc degree (1961) from Andhra University, BE (1964) from IISc, MSc degree (1966) from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and PhD (1971) from IISc, Bangalore specializing in mechanical metallurgy and processing. He held various positions at BHU, Lecturer (1966-73), Assistant Professor (1973-81), Associate Professor (1981-84) and Professor (1984- ) at IISc.

Academic and Research Achievements: Professor Prasad's most significant research contribution has been the development of a model that forms the missing link between continuum mechanics and atomistic approaches to the modeling of materials flow in net shape making processes. This new model, called dynamic materials model, is based on an interdisciplinary approach combining the principles of irreversible thermodynamics, continuum mechanics of large plastic flow, systems engineering, computer-aided engineering and materials science. While basing itself on fundamental concepts, the model has very important practical applications in net shape making processes, particularly in their control and optimization. In fact, several problems of processing very complex advanced high-tech materials like metal-matrix composites with whiskers, high temperature alloys from powders and rapidly solidified P/M materials, have been solved without resorting to any trial-and-error methods. From fundamental view point, the model paved the way to define the "intrinsic" workability of a material and helped in separating it from the state-of-stress related workability. As a result of this new understanding of workability, it is now possible to solve workability problems through optimizing intrinsic workability by control of temperature and strain rate on one hand, and on the other by having essentially a compressive state of stress in the deformation zone by proper die design practice achieved using CAD/CAM techniques. The processing science research being pursued by Prasad, being generic, is expected to have a very significant impact on future engineering ceramics and polymers technology. He has published over 81 papers and twelve students have completed their PhD under his supervision.

Other Contributions: Prasad has been involved in setting up a Processing Science Laboratory for modeling metal working processes in the IISc.

Awards and Honours: Prasad is a recipient of Mascot Award (1978), Indranil Award (1981), National Metallurgist Day Award (1982), and NRC (USA) Senior Research Associateship Award (1982). He is a Member of Indian Institute of Metals; and Associate Member of Electrochemical Society of India.