PSB Hosts First Edition of Trending Issues in Management with Focus on AI
In a landmark event that marked the first edition of “Trending Issues in Management,” Paari School of Business at SRM University-AP brought together a stellar lineup of industry stalwarts to delve into the transformative world of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The conference aimed at unravelling the complexities, exploring the opportunities, and addressing the challenges posed by AI in the ever-evolving landscape of modern management.
The event featured an elite panel of speakers, including Mr Sudhakar Vadapalli, Senior Vice President IT and Corporate Affairs, Biological E. Limited, Hyderabad, Saurabh Singh, Senior Vice President, Global Delivery Leader, Polestar Solutions, Delhi, Shriram Vasudevan (FIE, FIETE, SMIEEE), Technical Evangelist, Intel India Pvt Ltd, Bangalore, Laxminarayanan G, Global Head of Automation, Cyient, Bangalore, Karthiban Pandiyan MBB® PMP®, Leader Process Excellence, PwC India, Bangalore, and Ramya Sampathkumar, Independent Consultant and ex-Chief Digital Officer, Chennai.
They were joined by SRM AP’s esteemed members, Dr R Premkumar, Registrar, Prof. Bharadhwaj Sivakumaran, Dean of Paari School of Business, Dr CA Mahalakshmi Mudliar, and Mr Arun Prasad, offering a rich blend of theoretical insights and practical perspectives on AI’s impact on management.
Prof. Bharadhwaj Sivakumaran set the tone in his welcome speech, emphasising the school’s commitment to embedding Quality, Innovation, Customer-Centric Approach, and Ethics into its curriculum. “Our aim is to provide students with a contemporary education that is at the forefront of industry trends, particularly in AI and Blockchain, ensuring they are market-ready,” he stated.
Truly, considering the advent of technology in recent times, Paari school of Business is the first B-School in the country to include Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain as compulsory courses. It is also first in launching a Certificate Programme in Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI in Marketing.
Keynote speaker Sudhakar Vadapalli captivated the audience with his exploration of AI’s evolution, referencing Howard Gardner’s definition of intelligence and highlighting the rapid advancements leading to today’s sophisticated Large Language Models like ChatGPT. “The journey from Turing’s initial concepts to today’s AI showcases a trajectory towards an intelligence that might one day parallel human cognition,” Vadapalli remarked.
The subsequent panel discussion was a deep dive into AI’s role in reshaping management, highlighting the technology’s potential to enhance efficiency, innovate decision-making processes, and foster continuous learning and adaptation. Yet, the experts also cautioned about the challenges, particularly concerning data privacy, security, and the ethical use of AI.
The consensus among the panellists was clear: AI is not a fleeting trend but a fundamental shift reshaping the business landscape. Embracing this change requires new skills, such as Prompt Engineering and a proactive approach to the ongoing developments in AI technologies.
This seminal event underscored the importance of AI in contemporary management and positioned the Paari School of Business as a pioneering institution committed to integrating cutting-edge technologies into its academic fabric, preparing a new generation of leaders ready to navigate the AI-driven future.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Paari Current Happenings
SRM University-AP Successfully Hosts UDGAM-’24, Celebrating National Sportsmanship
SRM University-AP, the proud organiser of the national-level sports event UDGAM-’24, graciously hosted a spectacular display of talent and sportsmanship on its grounds, wrapping up with a heartfelt closing ceremony on Saturday, March 2, 2024. The event, which commenced on February 29, was a testament to the spirit of unity and competitive excellence, with teams from across the nation showcasing their prowess in cricket, kabaddi, and volleyball.
The university extends its warmest congratulations to all the participating teams, especially highlighting the commendable performances of the Guntur Kits Engineering College cricket team, the kabaddi players from Amritasai Engineering College, and the volleyball teams from Saint Ann’s College and Mohan Babu University. Their dedication, skill, and sportsmanship have been the true highlights of this event.
SRM University-AP‘s grounds were alive with enthusiasm and energy, as athletes from various institutions came together to push their limits and celebrate the true spirit of sports. The cricket final was a particularly memorable moment, with the teams displaying exceptional talent and teamwork. The kabaddi and volleyball matches were equally riveting, filled with moments of sheer determination and exemplary skill.
The closing ceremony was a moment of unity and celebration, with Asian Games silver medalist Ms Jyothi Yerraji gracing the occasion to award the trophies to the deserving winners. The university’s registrar, Dr R Premkumar, led the event, emphasising the values of sportsmanship and camaraderie that Udgam- ’24 aimed to promote. The university also took the opportunity to express its gratitude towards all the participants, coaches, and supporting staff who contributed to the success of this grand sporting festivity.
In a humble acknowledgement of the collective effort, the university’s administration, including Dr Prem Kumar and Mr Anil Nigam, Director-Student Affairs, honoured the chief guest and all the participating athletes, appreciating their hard work, spirit, and the joy they brought to the SRM University-AP campus.
As we close this chapter of Udgam-24, SRM University-AP looks forward to fostering a continued legacy of sportsmanship, encouraging healthy competition, and nurturing the talents of young athletes from across the nation. We are inspired by the passion exhibited by all teams and are proud to have provided a platform for such a dynamic and inspirational exchange of athleticism and goodwill.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Sports News, University Event
Udgam 2024 – A Celebration of Sportsmanship and Excellence
In a magnificent celebration of sports and camaraderie, SRM University-AP’s annual sports fest, Udgam-2024, unfolded with grandeur and an unwavering commitment to athletic excellence on February 29, 2024. The event was graced by dignitaries and sports aficionados, including the esteemed Chief Guest Mr. Nagapuri Ramesh, the renowned Dronacharya Awardee, Prof. Manoj K. Arora, Vice-Chancellor, along with other distinguished university officials, Dr R Premkumar, Registrar, Mrs Suma N, Chief Finance and Accounts Officer (CFAO), Prof. Vishnupad, Dean – Easwari School of Liberal Arts, Prof. Bharadhwaj Sivakumaran, Dean – Paari School of Business, Mr Anil Kumar Nigam, Director – Student Affairs, Dr. Sushmita Kumari, Assistant Director-Sports, Mr Manish Kumar Anand, Director – Human Resources, Mr Pankaj Belwariar, Director – Communications, graced the event with their presence. Around 800 students from 20 colleges and universities have participated in the fest.
The word ‘UDGAM’, which translates to ‘origin’ or ‘to rise up’ in Sanskrit, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of SRM AP’s sports ethos. Not merely an extracurricular activity, sports at SRM University-AP are embraced as a pivotal element of student life, reflecting a holistic approach to education and personal development.
Prof. Manoj K Arora, in his inspiring address, articulated the university’s vision of elevating its sports facilities to international standards. “We are not just building facilities; we are nurturing the champions of tomorrow,” he remarked, emphasising the university’s plans to enhance its infrastructure, fostering a thriving environment for budding athletes.
The Chief Guest, Mr Nagapuri Ramesh, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the vital role of educational institutions in shaping the future of sports in India. His words, “India’s tryst with sports excellence begins in our universities,” resonated with the audience, underscoring the transformative power of sports in building discipline, resilience, and teamwork.
The event saw participation from over 800 students across 20 colleges from all over India, embodying the fest’s ethos of unity and competitive spirit. The Torch Bearing Ceremony, a symbolic tradition, ignited the flame of sportsmanship, passing the torch of legacy and determination from seasoned athletes to the emerging generation.
“I’m immensely grateful to the university management for granting me this incredible opportunity. Witnessing the spirited and joyous participation of the students fills us with exhilaration. SRM University-AP has truly set the stage for these young athletes to hone essential life skills such as leadership and team building. I urge all students to seize this momentous opportunity with both hands and make the most of it, embracing the challenge with the heart of a sportsperson and the zeal of a champion,” said Dr Sushmita Kumari, Assistant Director-Sports.
As the fest unfolds, athletes will compete in a plethora of events, from Basketball to Chess, football to Tennis, each game would be a testament to the indomitable spirit of the participants. The fest was not just a competition but a celebration of the enduring values that sports instil – teamwork, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence.
In conclusion, Udgam 2024 stands as a symbol of inspiration, urging students to embrace the spirit of sportsmanship, to learn from every game, and to always play with heart and honor. As Mr Ramesh poignantly stated, “Khiladi ya to jitta hai, ya sikhta hai, kavi harta nahi hai (In the arena of sports, we either win or learn; we never lose).”
- Published in News, Sports News, student affairs news
3rd ICMG Inauguration: Emerging Interfaces in Materials Genome
The third chapter of the biennial International Conference on Materials Genome (ICMG) was inaugurated at SRM University-AP, India on February 22, 2024, in the august presence of Prof G P Das, Research Institute for Sustainable Energy, India, Prof Yoshiyuki Kawazoe, Tohoku University, Japan, Prof Puru Jena, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA, Prof Jer Lai Kuo, Dr R Premkumar, Registrar, SRM University AP, Prof Ranjit Thapa, Dean-Research, Dr Pranab Mandal, Associate Professor & Head of the Department, Physics, Dr Mahesh Ravva, Associate Professor, Chemistry, Dr Pradyut Kumar Sanki, Associate Professor, Electronics and Communication Engineering and 150+ dignitaries across the world.
ICMG is set up to nurture and promote research and development activities in computational materials in association with Asian Consortium on Computational Materials Science (ACCMS), Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore (JNCASR), National Chemical Laboratory, Pune (NCL), Virginia Commonwealth University, USA, Indian Institute of Technology, Madras (IIT-M), Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-B), TCG-Crest, Kolkata.
In his inaugural speech, Dr R Premkumar delved into the vision of SRM University-AP as a new-age research-centric university. Within 7 years of inception, SRM University-AP proudly harbours 20 departments across 3 schools, providing education to 8500 students. The university aspires to bring quality education to 15000 students in the near future. The research environment of the university is no less than excellent. The university strives to contribute to society through outstanding research activities. The premier faculty pool of the university with 100% PhD and international academic and industry exposure and the zeal to do quality research makes it a chosen haven for achievers. SRM University-AP supports its faculty and students in research by providing Seed Funding, Research Grants, Financial Assistance for Publications and Patents, Conference Aids and state-of-the-art research facilities. “The university’s mission is to create a newer generation who could substantially contribute to the academia and industry. Hence, we encourage our students with equal importance to take entrepreneurship, higher studies and/or Placement support as their future endeavours”, said Dr R Premkumar.
In his keynote speech, Prof. G P Das congratulated the University for the successful arrangement of the 3rd International Conference on Materials Genome. In the year 2000, the Asian consortium was born from a tea table discussion and has come a long way since. This consortium has become 25 years old, and they have been utilizing human as well as computational resources in different countries in the Asian region. The year 2024 marks the 60th year of the two most important milestone developments in the field of materials simulation – (i) Density Functional Theory by Walter Kohn and (ii) the landmark paper by Aneesur Rahman who is considered the founding father of computer simulation and molecular dynamics. It is exciting to note how the research in this domain has evolved in the years between. “One of the most recent additions to this is the marriage between materials science and computer science. This is also termed materials informatics or materials genomics. Big data, deep neural networks, reinforcement learning etc. are becoming more and more familiar tools for materials physicists and chemists. An increasingly large number of papers are appearing in the most prestigious peer-reviewed journals on the data-centric approach to discover as well as predict novel energy materials, catalytic materials, magnetic & spintronic materials, various kinds of functional materials and more recently topological materials,” asserted Prof Das.
Prof. Das further emphasised that there are a large number of areas that are being investigated with the aid of modern technologies like AI-ML. For example, the space group of a complex geological sample can be predicted just by looking at its X-ray or Neutron diffraction data using deep neural networks which was conventionally used to be done by Rietveld analysis, but now such inverse problems can be dealt with AI-ML. Such data-centric pattern-recognition approaches and their triumphs in predicting the behaviour of hitherto unknown areas e.g. cryptography, agriculture, and even criminology open up a bright new future ahead of us. Prof. Das concluded his speech by reminding us that we are now far ahead of our conventional ways of studying. The emerging ‘interface areas’ between disciplines such as biology and physics, economics & physics, metallurgy & physics, electronics & physics, mathematics & statistics, and many other suggests an enormous leap in computational approaches with advances in experimental measurements.
The Sub-themes of the conference for this year are Quantum Mechanics/Machine Learning Approach, High-throughput Computation and Machine Learning aided discovery of Materials, on which 6 keynote speeches and 46 invited lectures will be delivered in the coming 3 days. It is indeed heartening to see the conglomeration of so many stalwarts covering broad areas in Physics, Chemistry and Materials Science.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Physics News
Ameya’24 – Igniting Minds, Fostering Innovation
In the heart of the evolving business landscape, the Paari School of Business at SRM University-AP hosted the national-level business fest, Ameya ’24, a beacon of excellence and innovation, on February 23-24, 2024. This pioneering event, co-sponsored by Amyra Silver, was a crucible of ideas, leadership, and entrepreneurial spirit, attracting over 500 participants from 25 distinguished institutions.
The fest was inaugurated by an illustrious panel comprising Dr Bhanu Prakash Reddy Varla, a vanguard of entrepreneurship and chair of TiE Grad; Prof. Manoj K. Arora, the visionary Vice-Chancellor of SRM University-AP; Prof. Bharadhwaj Sivakumaran, Dean of Paari School of Business; and Prof. Vishnupad, Dean of Easwari School of Liberal Arts. Their presence underscored the fest’s commitment to blending academic rigour with real-world business acumen.
Empowering the Future: Leadership and Learning
Ameya ’24 was more than an event; it was a dynamic platform designed to instil leadership, team-building, and ethical decision-making skills among students. Prof. Manoj K. Arora highlighted the university’s dedication to offering experiences beyond traditional curricula, aiming to nurture a generation of dynamic entrepreneurs and professionals through unique courses such as Samaj Seva, Mind and Soul Training, and Happening Happenings.
A Journey of Inspiration: Dr Varla Bhanu Prakash Reddy
The chief guest, Dr Varla Bhanu Prakash Reddy, in his motivational address, shared his entrepreneurial odyssey, emphasising the importance of focus, skill accumulation, and horizon-broadening during graduate studies. Dr Reddy’s vision of an “Unstoppable India” leading the global economy, underscored by the rise of Indian unicorns, was a rallying call for students to become innovators and job creators, armed with SWOT analysis and upskilling from their student life.
A Kaleidoscope of Competitions
Ameya ’24 unveiled a spectrum of competitions designed to challenge and inspire:
Stock Pulse: A thrilling online stock simulation that tested participants’ investment strategies. Jainam R Jain from Nalanda Vidya Niketan bagged the first prize in this segment.
Product Palooze: A creative marketing challenge where teams devised unique selling propositions for randomly picked products. Praveen from Laki Reddy Bali Reddy College of Engineering became the winner.
Biz Wiz: A business quiz that spanned various domains, from CEO Showdown to Rapid-Fire rounds, engaging teams in a test of knowledge and wit. The winner of this competition was Venkata Yashwith Chakirala from Nalanda Vidya Niketan.
Elevator Pitch: An intense competition where individuals pitched fictional startups, showcasing their strategic thinking and persuasion skills. Shreeyash from SRM University-AP secured the winner rank in this one.
HR Odyssey: A deep dive into the future of Human Resource Management, with simulations and debates to test participants’ innovative HR solutions. Meghana from the Gates Institute of Management received the winning trophy in the competition.
Data Dynamo: A challenge that highlighted the importance of data visualisation and business intelligence, culminating in a real-world case study competition. Polavarapu Priyansha from SRM University-AP bagged the winning trophy in this segment.
IPL Auction Spectacle: A strategic game of cricket team building within a simulated budget, engaging participants in the intricacies of player selection and financial management. The winning position was secured by Suresh and Team from PB Siddhartha College of Arts and Science.
The business fair, a simulation of entrepreneurship, allowed students to experience the journey of setting up and managing a business through innovative kiosks, further enriching their learning experience.
Cultural Vibrance and Legacy
The fest also celebrated cultural heritage, with Chenda Melam captivating the audience, and a vibrant cultural evening of dance and music marking the conclusion of Ameya ’24. This fusion of business acumen and cultural celebration underscored the holistic development fostered at the event.
Ameya ’24 was not just an event but a milestone in the journey of future business leaders. It was a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and vision in shaping the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. As participants departed, they carried with them not just the memories of competition and camaraderie but the spark to ignite their paths and contribute to an unstoppable India. This fest has truly set a benchmark for fostering a dynamic generation of entrepreneurs and professionals ready to take on the world’s business stages.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Paari Current Happenings, paari-events
Aadigyan: Connecting Cultures and Celebrating Diversity
The Directorate of International Relations and Higher Studies (IR&HS) at SRM University-AP has organised Aadigyan Winter Youth Programme. The event is the varsity’s flagship initiative and is conducted to introduce International students and to familiarise them with the Indian culture, its history and lifestyle. This year the varsity hosted students and faculty from Alpine High School, Nepal. The event, which spanned over three days, saw students engage in the world of knowledge and innovation.
The induction featured Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora, Deans, Assistant and Associate Deans of the three schools, and Directors and other luminaries. The event highlights included insightful sessions on engineering, liberal arts, and a unique experimental workshop, “Walk with a Scientist”, that saw Prof. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan introduce the students to the vast diversity of flora and fauna on the campus.
The third day of the Aadigyan Youth Programme saw the students attend insightful sessions by luminaries such as Prof. A V S Kamesh, Professor Paari School; Mr Sidharth Shankar Tripathy, Director Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Ms Kriti Gopal Das, ISKCON and finally Ms Aditi Jain, Director-IR&HS.
- Published in Departmental News, IR-News, News
Young Investors Workshop for Management Graduates
The Paari School of Business has organised a transformative two-day Young Investor Education Workshop on “Financial Education for Young Citizens” for MBA students on February 26-27, 2024, led by finance expert Dr Vijaya Kumar Chilukuri from NISM. The sessions covered diverse finance intricacies and career strategies. Certificates were awarded to participants who cleared the examination, adding value to their academic journey. A Pre-assessment and post-assessment were conducted, which helped students understand their learning journey. Dr Chilukuri’s expertise and his interactive sessions left a lasting impact on all the students, and they actively participated in learning many key concepts of savings and investments. These workshops conducted by the school align with SRM AP’s commitment to holistic education and student success.
- Published in Departmental News, News, Paari Current Happenings, paari-events
SRM University-AP Hosts Japanese Delegation for a Culturally Enriching Exchange
The Directorate of International Relations and Higher Studies recently welcomed distinguished delegations from Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, for a fruitful academic and cultural exchange programme, “Discover India“.
From February 21st to 24th, 2024, the university hosted Prof. Akihiro Matsumoto, Prof. Sho Yokota and Mr. Yutaka Kikuchi from Toyo University and Forum Engineering. Through interactive discussions and immersive sessions, the delegates gained valuable insights into Indian culture and traditions and promising opportunities for collaboration.
Discover India Programme is a transformative journey where innovation meets tradition. Witness the dawn of a new academic era, brimming with opportunities that promise to revolutionise our educational landscape. This enlightening gathering was more than a meeting of minds; it was a fusion of cutting-edge research and shared visions. The delegates engaged intimately with our esteemed faculty and brilliant research scholars from the Mechanical and Electrical and Electronics Engineering Departments, sparking dialogues that promise to kindle innovative research collaborations.
Their exploration of our state-of-the-art research facilities provided a window into the advanced realm of EV Research Technologies at SRM University-AP. The visit illuminated the potential for groundbreaking advancements in sustainable technology, reflecting our commitment to pioneering solutions for a greener future.
The academic engagement was beautifully complemented by industry visits to Efftronics Systems Pvt Ltd and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd, where practical insights and real-world applications bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and industrial praxis.
Culminating the visit, our guests were immersed in the rich tapestry of Indian culture, exploring the serene Amaravati Buddha Statue, the sacred Amareswara Swami Temple, and the historic Durga Temple in Vijayawada. This cultural odyssey not only showcased the heritage of our region but also fostered a deeper mutual respect and understanding, enriching the fabric of our international collaboration.
As we reflect on these three days of intellectual exchange, cultural immersion, and visionary exploration, we are filled with hope and excitement for the future collaborations that will undoubtedly emerge from this fertile groundwork. We stand on the brink of a new dawn in global education, ready to innovate, inspire, and transform together.
- Published in Departmental News, IR-News, News
Advocating for Change: Shedding Light on the Struggle of Acid Attack Survivors
In a thought-provoking paper titled “Justice A Distant Dream for Acid Attack Survivors,” published in 360 Info, Dr Sebanti Chatterjee, Assistant Professor in the Department of Liberal Arts, delves deep into the persistent challenges faced by acid attack survivors.
Despite the existence of legal provisions aimed at addressing gender-based violence, the harrowing reality is that acid attacks continue to be a stark and under-addressed form of violence. Dr Chatterjee’s paper sheds light on this critical issue, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness, support, and legal reform to provide justice and support for survivors.
Through her research, she underscores the importance of recognising and prioritising the plight of acid attack survivors, urging for collective action to create meaningful change. As advocates for social justice, it is imperative that we amplify their voices and work towards a future where justice is not a distant dream but a tangible reality for all survivors.
Abstract
Acid attacks can occur in private or public. These attacks are often rooted in ‘jilted lover’ syndrome or as a manifestation of continued domestic violence. Few cases offer a different narrative: one woman was attacked to teach her father a lesson about property disputes. Ultimately, the acid attack is yet another demonstration of patriarchy’s brutishness.
My (unpublished) research in 2021 with acid attack survivors (including Rima), lawyers, police and other stakeholders in West Bengal — as part of a collaboration between National Human Rights Commission and National Law School of India University, Bangalore — found that despite these various legal advances, acid attack as a form of violence is not prioritised as an issue needing immediate attention, unlike rape and child trafficking.
DOI: 10.54377/e719-077c
Future Research Plan
To explore how a state cultural heritage status makes us explore the social life of an instrument- it’s secular and sacred manifestations, questions of labour, gender and the sustainability model pertinent to its musical and material interpretations.
Topic of research
Soulful beats: Ecology, Labour and Aesthetics of Ghumott
- Published in Departmental News, Liberal Arts News, News, Research News
Pioneering the Future: Ultrafine MgAl2O4 Particle-Stabilised Mg-3Ca Alloy Foams
The Department of Mechanical Engineering is thrilled to announce a significant breakthrough in materials science has been achieved through the diligent research efforts of Prof. G S Vinod Kumar, Professor and Head of the Department and his Ph.D. scholar, Mr Dipak Bhosale in their latest paper, “Production, stability and properties of ultrafine MgAl2O4 (Spinel) particles stabilized Mg-3Ca alloy foams”. The study focuses on the development and detailed analysis of Mg–3Ca alloy foams, uniquely enhanced by ultrafine MgAl2O4 (spinel) particles. This innovative research outlines a novel methodology for improving the mechanical properties of magnesium foams, providing unparalleled advantages for a multitude of industrial applications.
Abstract
The present work reports the synthesis and mechanical behaviour studies of Mg–3Ca alloy foams stabilized by ultrafine MgAl 2 O 4 (spinel) particles. The MgAl 2 O 4 particles were created in-situ in the Mg–3Ca alloy melt through the reaction of Mg, Al and O. Foaming was done by adding dolomite (CaMg(CO 3 ) 2 ) as a blowing agent in the melt. The foaming behaviour was studied for different MgAl 2 O 4 content in Mg–3Ca and holding times (10 and 15 min). The study reveals that the presence of MgAl 2 O 4 significantly influences the foaming behaviour of Mg–3Ca alloy resulting in equiaxed cell structure, uniform cell size distribution, and higher expansion in comparison to the Mg–3Ca alloy foam, which contains only MgO and CaO. An in-depth phase and microstructural analysis were performed to investigate the particles present in the gas-solid interface of the foam that contribute to foam stabilization. The quasi-static compression studies of foams exhibited better compressive strength (≈3–11 MPa) and energy absorption capacity (≈1.3–5.7 MJ/m3) in comparison to the Mg foams reported in the literature. The ductility of the Mg foams was also measured and compared with that of existing aluminium foams.
Research Highlights:-
- Innovative Synthesis: The MgAl2O4 particles are synthesized in situ within the Mg–3Ca alloy melt via a controlled reaction involving Mg, Al, and O. This process ensures the uniform dispersion of spinel particles, which is critical for the foam’s structural integrity and performance.
- Foaming Process: By employing dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2) as a blowing agent, the research team meticulously explored the foaming behaviour under various MgAl2O4 contents and holding times (10 and 15 min). The findings highlight a marked improvement in foam expansion and stability.
- Structural and Mechanical Analysis: Through comprehensive phase and microstructural analyses, the pivotal role of MgAl2O4 particles at the gas-solid interface in stabilizing the foam structure was uncovered. Quasi-static compression tests revealed outstanding compressive strength (≈3–11 MPa) and energy absorption capacity (≈1.3–5.7 MJ/m3), surpassing existing benchmarks for magnesium foams.
Key Properties and Applications:-
- Low Density & High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: The Mg–3Ca alloy foams showcase an optimal balance of low density and high mechanical strength, rendering them ideal for lightweight structural applications.
- Enhanced Energy Absorption: Their unique cellular structure provides superior energy absorption capabilities, suitable for impact and crash-resistant applications.
- Biocompatibility: Owing to magnesium’s biocompatibility, these foams are highly promising for biomedical applications, including bone implants and scaffolds for tissue engineering.
- Thermal Conductivity & Corrosion Resistance: Additionally, these foams exhibit advantageous thermal and corrosion-resistant properties, broadening their applicability across various environmental conditions.
Transformative Impact Across Industries:-
- Aerospace and Automotive: The significant weight reduction capabilities, coupled with uncompromised strength, position the Mg–3Ca alloy foams as revolutionary materials for component design in the aerospace and automotive sectors.
- Biomedical: Their biocompatible nature and structural characteristics make these foams an excellent option for medical implants and scaffolds, poised to improve patient outcomes in orthopaedics and tissue engineering significantly.
- Energy and Beyond: From thermal management solutions in renewable energy systems to applications in sports equipment, the potential uses for these magnesium foams are extensive and diverse, heralding a new chapter in material science.
This groundbreaking research not only advances the field of magnesium foam technology but also paves the way for new possibilities in lightweight, high-performance materials across various industries. The team is dedicated to further exploring the capabilities of these innovative materials and eagerly anticipates partnering with industry stakeholders to transition these advancements from the laboratory to commercial applications.
- Published in Departmental News, Mechanical Engineering NEWS, News, Research News