Vinay Goyal
ADJUNCT PROFESSOR
MECHANICAL AND AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
48-121, Eng IV
Email: vinay.k.goyal@gmail.comPhone: (310) 206-0095
Vinay Goyal is a Principal Director within the Vehicle Systems Division, where he leads a team of 120 experts delivering innovative, high-quality technical solutions to NASA, the United States Space Force, the National Reconnaissance Office, and other government and commercial organizations. He provides strategic leadership, develops technical investment strategies, and ensures responsive, collaborative support across critical aerospace programs.
From 2022 to 2025, Goyal served as an Aerospace Technical Fellow in Enterprise Systems Engineering, advancing machine learning applications for launch systems and pioneering novel acquisition and mission assurance processes. He led the development or modernization of over 20 aerospace standards and best practice documents, including NASA SP-8007 (Buckling of Thin-Walled Circular Cylinders) and NASA Handbook 5010 (Fracture Control), while contributing to space mobility and logistics, in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing, and human spaceflight systems. As Principal Engineer in 2020, he developed the foundational framework for launch vehicle reusability assessments, spearheaded mission assurance process evolution, and led multiple NASA-funded technical activities. Previously, as Systems Director, he directed the Falcon and OmegA structures assessment teams and supported the first successful National Security Space Launch certification for Falcon. Throughout his career, he has made significant contributions to launch vehicles, spacecraft, re-entry systems, and hypersonic technologies.
Goyal serves as Deputy Technical Fellow for the NASA Engineering Safety Center Structures discipline and holds joint faculty appointments at UCLA and USC in their Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Departments. He is also Deputy Director of the AIAA Aerospace Design Structures Group. His achievements include the NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal (2022), AIAA Fellow and ASME Fellow designations, over 100 technical publications, and three co-authored engineering textbooks. He has served on multiple Independent Review Boards for NASA, Space Systems Command, and the FAA. Goyal holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
From 2022 to 2025, Goyal served as an Aerospace Technical Fellow in Enterprise Systems Engineering, advancing machine learning applications for launch systems and pioneering novel acquisition and mission assurance processes. He led the development or modernization of over 20 aerospace standards and best practice documents, including NASA SP-8007 (Buckling of Thin-Walled Circular Cylinders) and NASA Handbook 5010 (Fracture Control), while contributing to space mobility and logistics, in-space servicing, assembly and manufacturing, and human spaceflight systems. As Principal Engineer in 2020, he developed the foundational framework for launch vehicle reusability assessments, spearheaded mission assurance process evolution, and led multiple NASA-funded technical activities. Previously, as Systems Director, he directed the Falcon and OmegA structures assessment teams and supported the first successful National Security Space Launch certification for Falcon. Throughout his career, he has made significant contributions to launch vehicles, spacecraft, re-entry systems, and hypersonic technologies.
Goyal serves as Deputy Technical Fellow for the NASA Engineering Safety Center Structures discipline and holds joint faculty appointments at UCLA and USC in their Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Departments. He is also Deputy Director of the AIAA Aerospace Design Structures Group. His achievements include the NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal (2022), AIAA Fellow and ASME Fellow designations, over 100 technical publications, and three co-authored engineering textbooks. He has served on multiple Independent Review Boards for NASA, Space Systems Command, and the FAA. Goyal holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Puerto Rico and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
RESEARCH AND INTERESTS
Machine learning, additive manufacturing, in-space servicing assembly and manufacturing, high temperature multidisciplinary optimization, space mobility and logistics, composites, ball bearings, fracture mechanics, composites damage, human spaceflight
NOTABLE PUBLICATIONS AND BOOKS
Goyal, V. K., and V. K. Goyal, Analysis of Metallic Aerospace Structures, Advanced Engineering Instructional Services, December 2021, E-BOOK ISBN: 978-0-578-25489-0.
Goyal, V. K. and V. K. Goyal, Solution to Engineering Problems Using Computational Mechanics, Advanced Engineering Instructional Services, E-BOOK ISBN: 978-0-578-25487-6
Goyal, V. K. and V. K. Goyal, Solution to Engineering Problems Using Finite Element Methods, Advanced Engineering Instructional Services, E-BOOK ISBN: 978-0-578-25485-2.
K. Imtiaz, V. Goyal, et. al, “Treatment of Transient Pressure Events in Space Flight Pressurized Systems,” 1 October 2021, NASA/TM-20210022275, https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20210022275
A. Valinia, G. Harrigan, V. Goyal, P. Babuska, N. Trepal, “Arecibo Observatory Auxiliary M4n Socket Termination Failure Analysis,” March 2022, https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20220004172
A. Valinia, G. Harrigan, V. Goyal, P. Babuska, N. Trepal, “Arecibo Observatory Auxiliary M4n Socket Termination Failure Investigation,” NASA/TM-20210017934, https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20210017934
P. Babuska, V. Goyal, “Lessons Learned From The Arecibo Observatory Auxiliary M4n Socket Analysis And Implications For Future Observatory Designs,” https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20220009292
V. Goyal, G. Batista, NASA 5010A Handbook Volume II: “Fracture Control Implementation Handbook for Spaceflight Hardware: Volume 2: Example Applications and Additional Guidelines,” Under NASA Agency Review at NASA Headquarters.
V. Goyal, K. Imtiaz, “Treatment of Transient Pressure Events in Space Flight Pressurized Systems,” NASA Engineering and Safety Center Technical Bulletin No. 22-03
V. Goyal, K. Imtiaz, “Industry Recommendations from Arecibo Observatory Zinc Spelter Socket Joint Failure Analysis,” NASA Engineering and Safety Center Technical Bulletin No. 21-05
J. B. Chang, V. K. Goyal, J. C. Klug and J. I. Rome, “Composite Structures Damage Tolerance Analysis Methodologies,” NASA/CR-2012-217347, March 2012
S. P. Engelstad, S. R. Darr, T. A. Knighton, M. Taliaferro, V. K. Goyal, and G. J. Kennedy, “Machine-Learning and Physics-Based Tool for Anomaly Identification in Propulsion Systems,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets 2024, https://doi.org/10.2514/1.A35897
D.A. Sepulveda, P. Gutierrez, A. Lopes, V. Goyal, D. Espalin, “Ultrasonically Embedded Wires in Multi-Material Parts Produced by Hybrid Additive Manufacturing,” Submitted to the Journal of Additive Materials, Manuscript Number: ADDMA-D-23-00255
G. Harrigan, V. Goyal, P. Babuska and N. Trepal, FAILURE ANALYSIS OF THE ARECIBO OBSERVATORY M4N AUXILIARY CABLE, RIDNAIC (2021). Vol. 21, 21, URL https://www.scipedia.com/public/Harrigan_et_al_2021a, Oct 2021
C.N. Sagrillo, L. Shimizu and V. K. Goyal, “Elastic–Plastic Fracture Mechanics Guidance and Analysis Validation,” Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets https://arc.aiaa.org/doi/10.2514/1.A35387, July 2022
V. Goyal, J. Wongchote and J. D. Strizzi, “Advancements in Mission Assurance Standards for Expendable and Reusable Launch Vehicles,” Journal of Aerospace Information Systems, https://doi.org/10.2514/1.I011002, Aug 2022
S. Engelstad, Z. Chen, V. Goyal “Analysis Methodology For The Assessment Of Unvented Honeycomb Sandwich Structures Subject To In-Plane And Pressure Loads,” Journal of Sandwich Structures & Materials, July 2022. https://doi.org/10.1177%2F10996362221122701
J.I. Rome, V. K. Goyal, D. N. Patel, “Strength Reduction Of Foam-Core Sandwich Structures With Core Mismatches,” July 13, 2022, Journal of Sandwich Structures & Materials https://doi.org/10.1177/10996362221115418
V.K. Goyal, S. Maghsoudy-Louyeh, “Proof Test Methodology For Reducing The Risk Of Unvented Honeycomb Core Failures In Aerospace Structures,” July 20, 2022, Journal of Sandwich Structures & Materials, https://doi.org/10.1177/10996362221116887
V. Goyal, J. I. Rome, D. N. Patel, “Strength of Asymmetric Tapered Composite Foam Core Sandwich Structures Subjected to Thermomechanical Loading,” Journal of Sandwich Structures & Materials, https://doi.org/10.1177/10996362221106782, 8 June 2022.
V. K. Goyal, E. C. Lundgren, D. N. Patel, “A Study on the Damage Tolerance of Durable Redundant Composite Sandwich Joints,” Journal of Sandwich Structures & Materials, Accepted for Publication.
Z.T. Kier, A. M. Waas, J. I. Rome, V. K. Goyal, “Through Thickness Failure of 3D Fiber Reinforced Foam Core Sandwich Structures,” SAMPE Journal, Vol. 50, 2014.
J. I. Rome, P. M. Schubel, V. K. Goyal, “Prediction of Low Velocity Impact Damage in a Composite Sandwich Using a Progressive Failure Methodology,” Failure in Composites, Edited by A. M. Waas, B. V. Sankar, M. W. Hyer, Vol. 4, Page 155, DEStech Publications, Inc, 2013
V.K. Goyal, E. R. Johnson, and V. K. Goyal, “Predictive Strength – Fracture Model for Composite Bonded Joints,” Composite Structures 82 (2008), pp 434-446.
V.K. Goyal, E. R. Johnson, C. G. Davila, “Irreversible constitutive law for modeling the delamination process using interfacial surface discontinuities,” Composite Structures 65 (2004), pp 289-305.
V.K. Goyal, N. R. Jaunky, E. R. Johnson, and D. R. Ambur, “Intralaminar and Interlaminar Progressive Failure Analysis of Composite Panels with Circular Cutouts,” Composite Structures 64 (2004), pp 91-105.
V.K. Goyal, E. R. Johnson, C. G. Davila, and N. Jaunky, “An Irreversible Constitutive Law for Modeling the Delamination Process Using Interface Elements,” NASA/CR-2002-211758, ICASE Report No. 2002-25, August 2002
EDUCATION
2002, Doctoral Degree, Aerospace Engineer, Virginia State University
1999, Bachelor's Degree, Mechanical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
AIAA Scitech HyperX Structures Best Paper Award for the Digital Twin for Fatigue and Fracture (2026)
AIAA/ASME Scitech ASME/Boeing Best Paper Award for the development of thermostructural models for hypersonic applications (2016)
NASA NESC Orion Heatshield Char Investigation Award (2026)
NASA Agency Award for Development of NASA 5010 Vol. 2 (2024)
NASA Exceptional Medal Service (2022)
NASA NESC Award for the Development of NASA SP-8007 (2022)
NASA NESC Award for the Arecibo Radiotelescope Failure Investigation (2022)
NASA NESC Individual Award for Excellent Contributions in the Orion Thermal Protection System Analysis (2016)
NASA Individual Achievement Award for Excellent Buckling Analysis in Support of Ares I-X Rollout (2008)
COURSES
Aerospace Structures, Statics, Aerospace Design, Finite Element Methods, Energy and Computational Methods, Manufacturing, Mechanics of Composites Materials, and Applied Elasticity.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
ASME American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Fellow
AIAA American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Fellow
ASC American Society of Composites