SRM-AP All News
ALL News
- New Chapter Begins: Over 3000 Students Start Their Journey at SRM AP August 13, 2024
SRM University-AP extends a warm welcome to its newest cohort of students as it kicks off the much-anticipated “UDAAN 2024” orientation programme. This 10-day event, running from August 12 to August 23, is meticulously crafted to seamlessly integrate more than 3000 freshers from more than 20 states of India into the vibrant campus life and academic environment.The event began with the traditional lighting of the lamp and an invocation ceremony, setting a tone of reverence and inspiration. During the inaugural session, students were given an overview of the university’s various directorates, schools, and the academic ecosystem, providing them with essential knowledge about their new environment. Deans and directors from all departments were present, underscoring the importance of this milestone in the student’s academic journey.
Pro-Chancellor, SRM University-AP Dr P Sathyanarayanan, extended his warmest wishes to the students, stating “At SRM AP, we are dedicated to shaping the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers. With UDAAN 2024, we are excited to empower our students as they embark on this transformative educational journey. It is our hope that this experience inspires each of you to achieve excellence and make a meaningful impact on the world. Welcome to a vibrant community where your future truly begins.”
Vice Chancellor, SRM University-AP, Prof. Manoj K Arora, addressed the new students, encouraging them to embrace self-reliance and to make the most of every opportunity during their time at the university. He motivated the students and said that they have an opportunity to learn new things, acquire new knowledge, grow new competencies, develop new skills and enhance their personal attributes in profound ways that will shape their character for the rest of their lives. Prof. Arora further added that the students have an opportunity to weave new friendships that will impact their lives in incredible ways and that education is not only about acquiring knowledge and skills, but it also prepares us for life.
The programme was honoured by the presence of Indian Ambassador Deepak Vohra ji, Special Advisor to Prime Minister in Africa and Ladakh, who was the chief guest for the event. His address to the students motivated them on how to attain great heights in their careers even in adverse situations through relentless goal setting, hard work, dedication and determination. He further told the students that if we are divided, we can go fast, but if we are united, we can go far. Deepak Vohra concluded his speech with this line, “The future of India is the future of the world. The whole world trusts India because we are intrinsically good people. You are the hope for the future of a safe and secure world.”
Throughout this 10-day programme, students will participate in a series of sessions designed to familiarise them with the university’s offerings. These include introductions to the academic departments, faculty, and administrative staff, as well as insights into the various clubs and associations that contribute to a holistic educational experience at SRM University-AP.
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- Algae Biochar: A Promising Solution to Water Pollution August 9, 2024
Dr Debajyoti Kundu, Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, has published a research paper titled “Synthesis, delineation and technological advancements of algae biochar for sustainable remediation of the emerging pollutants from wastewater – A Review” in the esteemed Q1 journal “Environmental Research”, which has an impact factor of 8.3.
Dr Debajyoti’s research focuses on using algae biochar, which is particularly effective at cleaning polluted water. The study reviews how this biochar is made and improved and how it can effectively remove harmful substances from wastewater. This process is sustainable and environmentally friendly, offering a promising solution to water pollution.
Abstract
The study examines the synthesis, technological advancements, and applications of algae biochar for the sustainable remediation of emerging pollutants from wastewater. It highlights the unique properties of algae biochar, including its high surface area, pore volume, and adsorption capacity, which make it an effective medium for removing inorganic and organic contaminants from wastewater. The paper discusses various methods for producing algae biochar, such as pyrolysis, gasification, and torrefaction, and explores chemical and structural modifications to enhance its pollutant removal efficiency.
Practical Implementation /Social Implications of the Research
The practical implementation of this research involves using algae-derived biochar in wastewater treatment plants to remove harmful pollutants. This can lead to cleaner water, reduced environmental pollution, and improved public health. The process is also sustainable and cost-effective, contributing to environmental conservation and resource efficiency.
Collaborations
This research is a collaborative effort among various experts from institutions such as the University of Calcutta, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Koneru Lakshmaiah Education Foundation, Graphic Era Deemed to be University, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Ranchi University, King Abdulaziz University, Incheon National University, Korea Aerospace University, and B.S. Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology.
Future Research Plans
Dr Debajyoti’s future research projects include exploring advanced modification techniques for algae biochar to further enhance its pollutant removal capabilities, investigating its application in different types of wastewater, and developing large-scale production methods. Additionally, there is an interest in studying the long-term environmental impacts and economic viability of using algae biochar in wastewater treatment.
Continue reading → - AI-Based Remote Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring Published in Leading Journal August 9, 2024
Dr Sibendu Samanta, Assistant Professor in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, and Ms Radha Abburi, a PhD Scholar, have made significant strides in the field of fetal health monitoring. Their paper, titled “Adopting Artificial Intelligence Algorithms for Remote Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring and Classification using Wearable Fetal Phonocardiography,” has been published in the prestigious Q1 Journal, Applied Soft Computing, which boasts an impressive impact factor of 7.2.This pioneering study addresses the critical gaps in the analysis of Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) recordings by leveraging wearable Phonocardiography (PCG) signals and advanced AI algorithms. The primary goal of the research is to achieve accurate classification results through the remote monitoring of fetal heartbeats. Additionally, the study tackles complex issues related to data quantity and the inherent complexity of FHR analysis. Dr Samanta and Ms Abburi’s work represents a significant advancement in the field, promising to enhance the accuracy and reliability of fetal health monitoring, ultimately contributing to better prenatal care.
Abstract of the Research:
Fetal phonocardiography (FPCG) is a non-invasive Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) monitoring technique that can detect vibrations and murmurs in heart sounds. However, acquiring fetal heart sounds from a wearable FPCG device is challenging due to noise and artefacts. This research contributes a resilient solution to overcome the conventional issues by adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) with FPCG for automated FHR monitoring in an end-to-end manner, named (AI-FHR). Four sequential methodologies were used to ensure reliable and accurate FHR monitoring. The proposed method removes low-frequency noises and high-frequency noises by using Chebyshev II high-pass filters and Enhanced Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (ECEEMDAN) in combination with Phase Shifted Maximal Overlap Discrete Wavelet Transform (PS-MODWT) filters, respectively.
The denoised signals are segmented to reduce complexity, and the segmentation is performed using multi-agent deep Q-learning (MA-DQL). The segmented signal is provided to reduce the redundancies in cardiac cycles using the Artificial Hummingbird Optimization (AHBO) algorithm. The segmented and non-redundant signals are converted into 3D spectrograms using a machine learning algorithm called variational auto-encoder-general adversarial networks (VAE-GAN). The feature extraction and classification are carried out by adopting a hybrid of the bidirectional gated recurrent unit (BiGRU) and the multi-boosted capsule network (MBCapsNet). The proposed method was implemented and simulated using MATLAB R2020a and validated by adopting effective validation metrics.
The results demonstrate that the proposed method performed better than the current method with accuracy (81.34%), sensitivity (72%), F1-score (83%), Energy (0.808 J), and complexity index (13.34). Like other optimization methods, AHO needs precise parameter adjustment in order to function well. Its performance may be greatly impacted by the selection of parameters, including population size, exploration rate, and learning rate.
The title of the Research Paper in the Citation Format:
R. Abburi, I. Hatai, R. Jaros, R. Martinek, T. A. Babu, S. A. Babu, S. Samanta, “Adopting artificial intelligence algorithms for remote fetal heart rate monitoring and classification using wearable fetal phonocardiography”, Applied Soft Computing, vol. 165, pp. 112049, 2024, ISSN 1568-4946.Practical Implementation or the Social Implications Associated with the Research
- Chebyshev filter and EC2EMDAN-PS-MODWT reduce low and high frequency noises.
- MA-DRL and optimization algorithms reduce complexity during classification.
- Machine learning spectrogram conversion to capture time, frequency, and spectral variations.
- Hybrid deep learning algorithms can be used to reduce positive rates.
Collaborations:
- Dr. Indranil Hatai (Signal Processing and FPGA, Mathworks, Bangalore, India)
- Dr. T. Arun Babu (HoD, Dept. of Pediatrics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Andhra Pradesh, India)
- Dr. Sharmila Arun Babu, MBBS, MS (HoD, Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Andhra Pradesh, India)
- Dr. Rene Jaros (Dept. of Cybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB–Technical University of Ostrava, 708 00, Ostrava, Czechia)
- Prof. Radek Martinek (Dept. of Cybernetics and Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, VSB–Technical University of Ostrava, 708 00, Ostrava, Czechia)
Future Research Plans:
- Design a low cost for continuous fetal heart rate (FHR) monitoring system
- Develop a proper deep learning algorithm to get a proper understanding of fetal’s abnormality.
- Scaling Heights: Nilesh Bags an Internship at RBI August 9, 2024
The Department of Economics proudly announces that Mr Nilesh A, a third-year B.Sc. Economics (Hons.) student, has secured a highly coveted one-month research-based internship at the Reserve Bank of India, Mumbai. This internship is under the Department of Economic and Policy Research (DEPR).
“I am thrilled to share my experience of securing an internship at the Reserve Bank of India, a journey that was significantly supported by the resources and guidance provided by my university. I am grateful to all my professors at Easwari School of Liberal Arts at SRM University-AP for their unwavering support and encouragement. This internship is a pivotal step in my career, and I am excited about the future and eager to continue building on this incredible foundation,” stated Nilesh while expressing his gratitude for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Internships are remarkable opportunities to gain experience and exposure, build a strong network, and hone the skills you already possess. The Easwari School of Liberal Arts of SRM University-AP provides academic and research internships prioritising experiential and industry-based learning to help students cultivate a refined practical skillset.
Continue reading → - A Novel Breakthrough on Developing Heterogeneous Small-World LPWANs August 9, 2024
The Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering is delighted to announce that Assistant Professor Dr Anirban Ghosh, PhD scholars Mr Naga Srinivasarao and Ms Manasa Santhi, and BTech student Mr Sk Abdul Hakeem have filed and published their patent, “A System and a Method for Low Transmission Delay and Energy Efficiency,” with Application No: 202441045389. The research cohort has demonstrated groundbreaking research on integrating Small-World Characteristics (SWC) into Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWANs) through Reinforcement Learning.
Abstract
To support the rapid growth of Internet of Things (IoT) applications, networking technologies like Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWANs) are evolving to provide extended network lifespan and broader coverage for Internet of Things Devices (IoDs). These technologies are highly effective when devices remain stationary under static conditions. However, practical IoT applications, ranging from smart cities to mobile health monitoring systems, involve heterogeneous IoDs that move dynamically, leading to changing network topologies. Typically, dynamic networks use multi-hop data transmission schemes for communication, but this method presents challenges such as increased data latency and energy imbalances. To address these issues, this patent introduces a novel approach that integrates recent advancements in social networks, specifically Small-World Characteristics (SWC), into LPWANs using Reinforcement Learning. Specifically, the SWCs are embedded into heterogeneous LPWANs through the Q-learning technique. The performance of the developed heterogeneous Small-World LPWANs is then evaluated in terms of energy efficiency (including the number of alive and dead IoDs, as well as network residual energy) and data transmission delay within the network.
Explanation of Research in Layperson’s Terms
The existing or the present technology moves around the applications that are either static or dynamic in nature, but the current invention considers a realistic IoT application that contains both static and dynamic nodes in the network. However, maintaining low data transmission delay and high network longevity over such a heterogeneous network is a challenge. By integrating SWCs over the developed heterogeneous networks using Q-learning technique helps in minimizing the data transmission delay and improves the network lifetime (energy efficient data transmission).
Practical Implementation of the Research
Applications that contain both static and dynamic nodes, such as smart health care systems, smart environmental monitoring systems, real-time traffic monitoring systems, and smart cities and homes, require less data transmission delay and high network longevity.
Collaborations
- Dr Om Jee Pandey – Assistant Professor, Department of Electronics Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi
- Dr Satish Kumar Tiwari – Assistant Professor, IIITDM Jabalpur, India
In the next phase of research, the reserach team will work towards investigating how the energy efficiency and other quality of service of smart devices in an IoT setting can be improved if they are completely mobile.
Continue reading → - Exploring Inventive Methods to Detect Microplastics in Contaminated Products August 7, 2024
The Department of Chemistry is glad to announce that Dr Rajapandiyan Panneerselvam, Associate Professor, Ms Jayasree K, Research Scholar, and Ms Mounika Renduchintala, BSc student, have had their breakthrough research published as a patent titled “A Method for Detecting Microplastics from Contaminated Products” with Application Number: 202441045388. Various research has been undertaken by scientists in developing improved methods for sample preparation and data analysis, aiming to reliably detect pollutants like microplastics in complex samples such as sea salt, soil, and water. In line with these efforts, this patent introduces a rapid and easy method to detect microplastics in contaminated products and water bodies using a filter paper-based substrate.
Abstract
Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has emerged as one of the most promising analytical tools in recent years due to its advantageous features, such as high sensitivity, specificity, ease of operation, and rapid analysis. These attributes make SERS particularly well-suited for environmental and food analysis. However, detecting target analytes in real samples using SERS faces several challenges, including matrix interference, low analyte concentrations, sample preparation complexity, and reproducibility issues. Additionally, the chemical complexity of pollutants and environmental factors can impact SERS measurements. Overcoming these hurdles demands optimized experimental conditions, refined sample preparation methods, and advanced data analysis techniques, often necessitating interdisciplinary collaborations for effective analysis. Therefore, our focus lies in the development of various methods for fabricating SERS substrates, pretreating analytes, and devising sample preparation strategies. These efforts aim to enable the detection of analytes like microplastics within complex real samples, including sea salts, soil samples, lake water, and various food products.
Practical Implementation/ Social Implications of the Research
SERS Community: Introducing a facile fabrication method for developing filter paper-based substrates, utilizing evaporation-induced self-assembly methods with the aid of 96-well plates. These substrates boast exceptional sensitivity and uniformity, exhibiting a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 8.2%. They offer easy fabrication and serve as effective SERS substrates for various applications.
Industry and Government Bodies: This invention plays a pivotal role in assessing contamination in food and water bodies, serving as a crucial tool in monitoring environmental contamination through on-site analysis with portable instruments. It ensures adherence to regulatory standards and safeguards public health.
Research: Beyond its practical applications, the invention supports scientific research endeavors focused on identifying microplastic contaminants in real-world samples using portable Raman spectrometers. This not only aids ongoing research but also paves the way for future studies in this critical field.
Collaborations
- Dr Hemanth Noothalapati – Raman Project Center for Medical and Biological Applications, Shimane University, Japan
- Dr Murali Krishna C – Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research and Education in Cancer, Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
- Dr Soma Venugopal – University of Hyderabad, India
The research team hopes to develop a novel SERS substrate for the detection of environmental pollutants in real-world samples.
Continue reading → - Dr Vineeth Publishes Paper on Policy Responses to Caste Violence in Tamil Nadu August 6, 2024
Dr Vineeth Thomas, Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science, has recently published a paper titled “Policy Responses to Caste Violence in Tamil Nadu” in the esteemed journal Economic and Political Weekly (EPW). In the paper, Dr. Thomas offers valuable insights into the crucial issue of caste violence in Tamil Nadu and examines various policy responses aimed at addressing this complex societal challenge.
Dr Thomas’s research illuminates the dynamics of caste violence and provides a comprehensive analysis of the policy measures adopted to tackle this pressing issue. His work in the EPW is expected to significantly contribute to the discourse on caste-based conflicts and policy formulation in the region. The publication of this paper not only exemplifies Dr. Vineeth Thomas’s scholarly prowess but also underscores SRM University—AP’s commitment to fostering impactful research in the realm of social and political sciences. It is anticipated that this publication will stimulate further academic dialogue and influence policy considerations in the domain of caste relations and violence in Tamil Nadu.Abstract of the Research
This study examines the policy response to caste violence in schools in Tamil Nadu, particularly through the recommendations of a committee led by retired Justice K. Chandru. The committee’s report highlights pervasive caste discrimination in schools and proposes various measures, including teacher transfers, banning caste markers, and implementing orientation programs on caste-related issues. The report also suggests the establishment of School Welfare Officers and Social Justice Student Forces, along with a robust grievance redressal mechanism. Despite opposition and criticism, these recommendations represent a significant step toward addressing caste discrimination in Tamil Nadu’s educational institutions.Research in Layperson’s Terms
This research focuses on the problem of caste discrimination in schools in Tamil Nadu, India. Despite the state’s reputation for promoting social justice, caste-based violence still occurs, even among students. A committee led by retired Justice K. Chandru made several recommendations to address this issue, such as banning caste markers like wristbands and educating students and teachers about discrimination. The report also suggests having specific officers to ensure these measures are followed. While these recommendations aim to create a fairer school environment, their success depends on proper implementation and support from the community.
Practical Implementation and the Social Implications Associated
Implementing this research can lead to more inclusive and equitable school environments by eliminating caste-based discrimination. By enforcing bans on caste markers, educating students and teachers, and establishing grievance mechanisms, schools can foster a culture of equality, reducing social tensions and promoting a just society for future generations.
Collaborations
Electoral Politics
Future Research Plans
Indian govt and politics
Continue reading → - A Novel SERS Substrate to Detect Food Contamination August 6, 2024
Dr Rajapandiyan P, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry, and his PhD scholar, Ms Arunima Jinachandran, recently filed and published a patent, “A Substrate for Contaminant Detection and a Process for its Synthesis,” with Application Number: 202441043642 in the Patent Office Journal. The research duo has developed a novel SERS (Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy) substrate by synthesising silver nanopopcorn and depositing it on a polycarbonate membrane.
This novel substrate demonstrates excellent uniformity, reproducibility, and mechanical stability. It is used for the sensitive detection of toxic antibiotic nitrofurazone on fish surfaces and in honey. This breakthrough could significantly enhance food safety monitoring by providing a reliable and efficient method for detecting harmful substances.
Abstract
Detecting nitrofurazone (NFZ) in aquaculture and livestock is crucial due to its carcinogenic properties. This study presents a flexible polycarbonate membrane (PCM) with three-dimensional silver nanopopcorns (Ag NPCs) for NFZ detection on fish surfaces using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The Ag-NPCs/PCM substrate demonstrates a significant Raman signal enhancement (EF = 2.36 × 106) due to hotspots from nanoscale protrusions and crevices. It achieves a low limit of detection (LOD) of 3.7 × 10−9 M, with uniform and reproducible signals (RSD < 8.34%) and retains 70% efficacy after 10 days. The practical detection LODs for NFZ in tap water, honey water, and on fish surfaces are 1.35 × 10−8 M, 5.76 × 10−7 M, and 3.61 × 10−8 M, respectively, demonstrating its effectiveness for various samples. This Ag-NPCs/PCM substrate offers a promising approach for sensitive SERS detection of toxic substances in real-world applications.
Practical Implementation/ Social Implications of the Research
The practical applicability of the proposed Ag-NPCs/PCM SERS substrate is validated by successfully detecting NFZ in various actual samples, such as tap water, honey water, and irregular fish surfaces.
Collaborations – Prof. Tzyy-Jiann Wang – National Taipei University of Technology, Taiwan
Dr Rajapandiyan and Ms Arunima will continue to work towards the development of novel flexible SERS substrates for detecting toxic pollutants in food.
Continue reading → - Founder Chancellor and University Leadership Meet the Honourable CM of AP August 5, 2024
Founder Chancellor of SRM Group and former Member of Parliament Dr T R Paarivendhar and Pro-Chancellor Dr P Sathyanarayanan met the Chief Minister of the state, Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, at the Office of the Secretariat. This is the second visit of the university leadership to the Chief Minister’s Office, as the former had first approached the CM to extend their congratulations on his fourth tenure as the head of the state government.
Dr Paarivendhar briefed Chief Minister Shri Naidu about the development and planned expansion projects of SRM University-AP in Amaravati. “As a premier institute disseminating tertiary education to the ground roots of the country, we politely urge the government under the lead of Shri Chandrababu Naidu to cordially aid SRM University-AP’s subsequent projects to provide world-class education and empower our country’s youth”, said Dr Paarivendhar.
Emphasising the importance of educating the youth in emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, enhancing 21st-century skills and the significance of an industry-led academic curriculum to the Chief Minister, Dr Sathyanarayanan stated that “The support from the state government is pivotal for the SRM University-AP to undertake new projects. The development of the institute will summate to the progression of the state by enhancing literacy and human capital.” He suggested that an additional 100 acres could be allotted to the university as per the agreement made during the establishment of the university.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu responded positively and concurred with the proposal proffered by the university leadership. Shri Naidu promised to provide all required resources and support towards the university’s growth and expansion.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Manoj K Arora, Executive Director (SRM Group) Prof. D Narayana Rao, and Registrar Dr Premkumar, were also part of the leadership cohort that met the Honourable CM.
Continue reading → - Exploring the Impact of Welding Processes on Duplex Stainless Steel Parts in Additive Manufacturing August 5, 2024
In a recent publication in the prestigious Journal Metals and Materials International, Dr Maheshwar Dwivedy, Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Dr B Prasanna Nagasai, Post-Doctoral Researcher, delve into the intricate relationship between welding processes and the resulting microstructure and mechanical properties of Duplex Stainless-Steel parts fabricated through Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing.The research paper, aptly titled “Influence of Welding Processes on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Duplex Stainless-Steel Parts Fabricated by Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing,” illuminates the crucial factors that influence the quality and performance of components produced using this innovative manufacturing technique.
This collaborative effort not only enriches the academic community but also holds promising implications for the advancement of additive manufacturing technologies, particularly in the realm of Duplex Stainless-Steel fabrication. By unravelling the impact of different welding processes on the microstructural characteristics and mechanical behaviour of such components, the researchers offer valuable insights that can potentially enhance the efficiency and reliability of the manufacturing process.
The publication of this paper signifies a significant milestone in the ongoing exploration of material science and additive manufacturing techniques, highlighting the dedication and expertise of Dr Maheshwar Dwivedy and Dr B Prasanna Nagasai in pushing the boundaries of knowledge and innovation in the field.Abstract
Direct energy deposition (DED) is an advanced additive manufacturing (AM) technique for producing large metal components in structural engineering. Its cost-effectiveness and high deposition rates make it suitable for creating substantial and complex parts. However, the mechanical and microstructural properties of these components can be influenced by the varying heat input and repeated thermal treatments associated with different welding procedures used during the deposition process. This study employed gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and cold metal transfer (CMT) arc welding techniques to fabricate cylindrical components from 2209 duplex stainless steel (DSS).
The research investigated the impact of these welding methods on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the 2209 DSS cylinders. The intricate thermal cycles and cooling rates inherent in the DED process significantly influenced the primary phase balance, ideally comprising 50% austenite and 50% ferrite. In components processed using GMAW, σ-phase formation was noted at the grain boundaries. Additionally, a slower cooling rate and extended time for solid-state phase transformations led to an increase in austenite content from the bottom to the top of the component. The cylinder fabricated using the CMT process exhibited fine austenite morphologies and a higher ferrite content compared to the GMW-processed cylinder.
Furthermore, the cylinder produced using the CMT process showed consistent properties across the building direction, unlike the components manufactured with the GMW process. In terms of tensile properties, hardness, and impact toughness, the cylinder produced using the CMT technique outperformed the one made with the GMW process.
Research in Layperson’s Terms
Over the last ten years, a new way of making things called additive manufacturing (AM) has become really popular, especially in industries like aerospace, oil, and gas. This technology builds parts layer by layer, which is a big change from traditional methods that often involve cutting away material to shape a part. One specific method of AM, called Directed Energy Deposition (DED), is particularly good at creating complex metal parts quickly and efficiently. A special kind of stainless steel called duplex stainless steel (DSS) is made of two types of microstructures, ferrite and austenite, which give it great strength and resistance to corrosion. This makes it ideal for use in demanding environments like the oil and gas industry.
A technique within DED called Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is becoming a popular way to make large, strong metal parts like pipes and storage tanks. WAAM uses the same equipment as welding and can build parts by melting wire with an electric arc. It’s faster and cheaper than other AM methods. However, the process can change the structure of the metal, which affects its properties. For example, too much heat can reduce the amount of ferrite in the metal, making it less strong.
Researchers have been studying how different methods of WAAM, including ones that use less heat, affect the metal’s structure and properties. They’ve found that controlling the heat can lead to better mechanical properties, like higher strength and toughness. They’ve also looked at new technologies like digital twins (virtual models of the manufacturing process) to improve the stability and consistency of the process. In this study, researchers focused on making cylindrical parts from 2209 DSS using two different welding processes within WAAM: Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) and Cold Metal Transfer (CMT).
They studied how these processes affected the metal’s structure and properties, like tensile strength, hardness, and toughness. The goal was to understand which process produces the best quality parts for industrial use. In summary, the research aims to improve the manufacturing of strong, corrosion-resistant metal parts using advanced AM techniques, making them more efficient and cost-effective for industries that need durable components.
Practical Implementation or the Social Implications Associated
The practical implementation of this research can revolutionise industrial manufacturing, especially in sectors like aerospace, oil and gas, automotive, and marine applications. Using WAAM with DSS, industries can produce lightweight, high-strength parts that withstand extreme environments, significantly improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness. WAAM’s ability to quickly produce customized and high-quality components also makes it ideal for rapid prototyping and repair, reducing lead times and overall production costs. Furthermore, WAAM is a more sustainable manufacturing method, generating less waste and utilizing recycled materials, contributing to eco-friendly production practices. The social implications are substantial, including the creation of new job opportunities and the need for specialized training programs to equip workers with advanced skills.
The economic impact is also notable, as WAAM enhances the competitiveness of companies, driving economic growth in high-tech industries. Innovation is fostered through advancements in manufacturing processes and materials science, leading to improved product performance and longevity, particularly in safety-critical applications. Additionally, the environmental benefits of reduced waste and potential use of recycled materials align with global sustainability goals. Overall, the adoption of WAAM can democratize the manufacturing landscape, making advanced technologies more accessible and affordable for smaller companies and startups, thereby fostering a more inclusive and innovative industrial environment.
Future Research Plans:
Continue reading →
The upcoming work will focus on creating Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs) using Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) by merging various metals, including nickel, stainless steel, mild steel, Inconel 718, and AISI 410 MSS. The goal is to optimise material interfaces, refine deposition processes, and ensure structural integrity for high-performance applications.
