SRM University-AP shares a momentous achievement as the Mechanical Engineering department has been awarded a financial grant of Rs 1.4 crores under the prestigious FIST (Fund for Improvement of S&T Infrastructure) by DST (Department of Science and Technology) Government of India.

The equipment proposed under the FIST grant is High-Resolution X-ray Micro Computed Tomographic Scanner that will help Materials Scientists, Engineers, Manufacturers and Researchers investigate internal structures, pore flaws of metallic, polymer and ceramic samples/ components non-destructively. This state-of-the-art facility will promote R&D activities in new and emerging areas of Materials Science Engineering and Manufacturing. Additionally, it seeks to attract fresh talents to the university, fostering an environment of innovation and scientific excellence. The established facility will be available to internal and external users (from academic institutions, research labs, manufacturing Industries, MSMEs and Startups.

The grant, awarded for a duration of 5 years, is a testament to the unwavering commitment of SRM University-AP to providing cutting-edge resources for the advancement of scientific studies. This achievement results from the exceptional efforts put forth by the faculty members of the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the university. Their dedication, expertise, and commitment to academics and research played a pivotal role in securing this grant amidst tough competition.

Prof. Manoj K Arora, Vice Chancellor, SRM University-AP proudly remarked, “This grant will not only enhance our research capabilities but also provide a platform for our students and faculty members to explore new avenues in the field.” Prof. G S Vinod Kumar, Head of the Mechanical Department, expressed his delight that the grant will be utilised for advanced characterisation and diagnostic research in the area of Materials and Manufacturing. It will also be used to strengthen the postgraduate and doctoral research facilities in the mechanical engineering department.

The Institute applauds the Mechanical Engineering department for proving their mettle and emerging success among departments from various universities/institutes, both government-funded and private, in the national level competition for the DST-FIST grant. SRM University-AP is confident that this financial support will propel the Mechanical Engineering department to new heights of success and enable them to contribute significantly to the scientific community. The institution remains committed to fostering an environment that encourages research, innovation, and knowledge creation.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is delighted to share that Dr Supen Kumar Sah, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, has received the best paper award for his paper titled “Free Vibration Analysis of Functionally Graded Material Sandwich Plate Using Refined Shear Deformation Theory” in the 2nd International Conference on Modern Research in Aerospace Engineering (MRAE 2023). Dr Supen collaborated with Saloni Malviya of VIT, Bhopal, for the research paper. The paper explores the intricate dynamics of functionally graded material sandwich plates, employing a refined deformation theory. Dr Sah’s exceptional work has not only contributed to the scientific community but has also demonstrated his dedication and passion for advancing knowledge in the field of materials science and engineering.

Abstract

In the present study, free vibration analysis of a functionally graded material sandwich plate has been carried out using refined shear deformation theory. The shear correction factor is not needed since the parabolic variation of shear strain through the thickness is in such a way that shear stresses vanish on the plate surfaces. Hamilton’s principle is used for the derivation of the equation of motion for the theory. Additionally, Navier’s solution is used to obtain the eigenvalue equation for the sandwich plate. The three variants of sandwich plate are chosen for the analysis. To carry out the free vibration analysis three different types of FGM sandwich plate models namely 1-1-1, 1-2-1, and 2-2-1 have been considered. A power law defines the volume fraction index and the material properties of the individual layers of the sandwich plate. Lastly, the impact of parameters such as volume fraction, aspect ratio, and length-to-width ratio on frequency parameters is investigated.

Future Research Plans

• Modelling and Analysis of porous uni and multi-directional Functionally Graded Material (FGM) plates to obtain the impact of porosity distributions over structural responses.

• Analytical and finite Element Solutions for static and dynamic response of FGM sandwich plates employing non-polynomial shear deformation theories under elastic foundation.

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“If we start working today towards developing LTA systems, in 10 years India will lead the sustainable air transportation” esteemed academician, Prof. Rajkumar S Pant, Professor of Aerospace Engineering stated in his lecture at SRM University-AP. The seasoned expert from the prestigious institute of IIT Bombay delivered a lecture on “The Design and Development of Lighter Than Air Systems” at SRM university-AP on October 16, 2023, as part of the Distinguished Lecture Series 2023 organised by the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The lecture extensively discussed the latest developments in the area of conceptual design, sizing, design, development and flight/field testing of LTA Systems.

In his lecture, Prof. Pant encouraged students to explore the dynamics of Lighter Than Air Systems, beginning with aerostats and then gradually proceeding to more complex airships. The session highlighted the disaster of Hindenburg, breaking the myth that airship transportation is dangerous and unreliable. Prof. Pant engaged the session with video presentations on the building, developing and working of airships and aerostats that have been conducted at the Lighter-Than-Air Systems Laboratory of IIT Bombay. His lecture also showcased some of the research and development activities that have been carried out in the LTA Systems Laboratory of IIT Bombay including Project HERCARA, and other projects carried out in collaboration with ISRO and DRDO.

The distinguished lecture was followed by a workshop on “Sizing of Reusable Indoor Hot Air Balloon (RIHAB)”. The workshop provided the students with practical knowledge and hands-on experience on LTE systems and vehicles inducing research interest in the domain of aerospace engineering and sustainable air transportation. Prof. Ranjit Thapa, Dean – Research, Prof. Prakash Jadhav, Head – Department of Mechanical Engineering, faculty and students at the university actively participated in the lecture and the workshop.

The Department of Mechanical Engineering proudly congratulates G Chandra Mouli, PhD scholar for receiving the Best Oral Paper Presentation Award at the International Conference on Advances in Materials, Ceramics & Engineering Sciences (AMCES – 2023) organised by Dayananda Sagar University, Bangalore, held during March 13-15, 2023. The paper titled “A New Approach to Enhance Microhardness and Corrosion Resistance with In-Situ Shot-Peened Al – Zn Coatings on ZK60 Magnesium Alloy by Cold Spray” was awarded the first prize among the 200+ papers presented at the conclave.

Congratulations to G Chandra Mouli and his mentor, Prof, GS Vinodkumar, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering for their cutting-edge research in enhancing the thickness, microhardness and corrosion resistance of metals!

Abstract

This paper aims to develop an improved microhardness and corrosion protective coating (Pure Al-Zn, Al-Zn-Al2O3 and Shot peened Al-Zn) on an Mg alloy substrate, by using the cold spray (CS) technique. A mixture of metal, ceramic/hard particles (Al2O3) and Shot-peened (Large Ni particles) has been used to improve the feedstock powder flowability and coating deposition efficiency. The long-term corrosion properties are evaluated by immersing these coupons in NaCl solution as a function of immersion time durations. The coatings are well-characterised for their structural, morphological, mechanical and electrochemical properties. Thus, it has been observed that in-situ-shot peening helps to enhance the thickness, microhardness and corrosion resistance.

Closed-cell metal foams are crucial to heavy industry machinery as they primarily function as impact-absorbing materials. Stabilizing closed-cell metal foams is a pivotal element in the process of manufacturing closed-cell metal foams. On this note, Prof GS Vinod Kumar from The Department of Mechanical Engineering has published a paper entitled Production, stability, and properties of in-situ Al–5ZrB2 composite foams in the journal Materials Science and Engineering: A with an impact factor of 6.044.

Abstract

Stabilization is an essential requirement to produce closed-cell metal foams. In the melt route of foaming, usually ceramic particles are used as foam stabilizers. For the first time, the present study introduces ZrB2 particles as foam stabilizers. We demonstrate the foaming of in-situ based Al composite containing submicron ZrB2 particles. The effect of foaming temperature and holding time on the structural and mechanical properties of the foams was studied. The composites and foams were characterized using XRD, SEM/EDS, and optical scanning techniques. The mechanical properties of the foams were determined by subjecting the foams to a quasi-static compression test. Submicron ZrB2 particles present in the cell wall and at the gas-solid interface promoted foam stability. All the foams exhibited a good cellular structure with high expansion. Among the foams, the foams prepared at 680 ºC with a holding time of 120 s exhibited the smallest cell size and the best mechanical properties. The structural and mechanical properties of the Al–5ZrB2 foams were found to be comparable to conventional foams.

Novel in-situ ZrB2 particles were produced to form Al-5ZrB2 composites. ZrB2 particles present in the melt tend to stabilize the H2 gas bubbles produced from the decomposition of TiH2. The macrostructure was best observed when foamed at 680 ºC and held for 120 sec. Because of its finer pores ( ̴ 3mm ), excellent compressive strength and energy absorption capacity was exhibited comparable to conventional Al foams.

The paper observes a wide-range of possibilities for the application of in-situ Al–5ZrB2 composite foams to modify bullet proof vests, car body parts, sound and heat proof walls in theatres, naval ship bodies, etc.

Prof Vinod Kumar also discusses the future application of this technique in use of metallic powders as blending agent for effective dispersion of blowing agent in the melt and in the field of compressive and energy absorption studies for Al composite foams.