Research Centers
Vel Tech Research Centers initiates and executes joint R&D between Industry & Institution and to further facilitate the Industries to interact with the HR of the Institution. Vel Tech has created a research park on its campus with a total capacity to accommodate 80 Laboratories. 17 labs are occupied with different funded research projects, Joint Centers of Excellence with Dassault System, France & National Instruments, USA, and Industry-funded facilities. Research Funding: Vel Tech has been funded with over INR 15.49 Crores by various Government funding agencies like DST, DRDO, GITA (Indo Taiwan) etc., and Private Industries for various Research Projects. Research projects are also supported by the internal sponsoring Trust. 26 projects worth Rs.1.73 crores have been funded by the sponsoring Trust besides investing in infrastructures like Research Park, Engine Test Facility, and Centres of Excellence in various fields. The Institution is also funded with INR 1.01 Crores by DST, DRDO, CSIR, DAE etc. for organizing various National and International events.
Special Centers or Facilities Established in Association or with the support of Industry/ Research Organizations
The Institution has established National Facilities, Centers of Excellence and Special Labs in association with Research Organizations/ Industries for taking up R&D and Industry – relevant projects by the Students and Faculty
COMPOSITES RESEARCH CENTER
About the lab
Composites Research Center (CRC) is dedicated to carry out basic and applied research in the fields of composites and nanomaterials. It is actively involved in the fabrication, testing as well as simulation of materials providing innovative solutions for energy and environmental issues.
Objective
- To conduct basic and applied research in the fields of composites and nano materials
- To develop cost effective and high performance materials for defense, transportation,
Construction, energy and environmental applications
- To undertake industry and government sponsored R&D projects
- To provide testing and consultancy services for industries as well as government agencies
- To provide multidisciplinary hands-on training to students
- To actively pursue entrepreneurial and commercialization activities
Outcomes
- Development of materials for improving interfacial strength of composites through nanomaterials modification of fibers and fabrics
- Development of ZnO nanowire based materials for energy harvesting
- Design and validation of thermoelectric cooling system for battle tank engine
- Design and validation of portable thermoelectric cooling system for transportation of biological samples and medicine
- Designing of damage tolerant composite structures under impact loading
- Analysis of performance of composite structures under and design optimization
Ongoing Activities Research Focus
Current Projects
- ZnO Nanowire Modified Carbon Fibers for Interfacial Studies and Energy Harvesting Funded by SERB, Department of Science & Technology, Ministry Of Science & Technology, Govt. of India
- Damage Tolerant Composite Structures
- Thermoelectric Cooling System for Battle Tank Engine
- Portable Thermoelectric Cooling System
- Analysis and Design Optimization of Composite Structures
- ZnO Nanowire based Solar Cells
- Furnaces and ovens
- Vacuum oven and pumps
- VARTM fabrication
- Electronic balances
- Laser temperature sensor
- Constant temp bath
- Ultrasonicators
- Magnetic stirrers
- Hot plates
- Vacuum chambers
- Polarizing microscope
- Tensile tester
- Finite element analysis
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY RESEARCH CENTER
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY RESEARCH LAB
About the Programme
Organic Chemistry Research Lab is dedicated to carry out research in the field of synthetic organic chemistry to design, develop and optimize cost effective synthetic routes to drug intermediates as well as active pharmaceutical ingredients. Developing new ligands for extraction of trivalent actinides and lanthanides from nuclear fuel cycle is other areas of research.
Objectives
- To carryout basic and applied research in the field of asymmetric synthesis, medicinal and organometallic chemistry.
- To undertake industry and government sponsored projects.
- To provide consultancy for industries.
- To educate students by providing laboratory training.
Outcomes
- Synthesis of chiral ferrocene and camphorquinone based ligands for asymmetric transformations.
- Synthesis of ligands for lanthanides and actinides separation from nuclear fuel cycles.
- Development of PBI based membranes for separation of lanthanides and actinides from nuclear waste.
Current Projects
- Synthesis of Novel Mono Dentate Phosphorous Ligands and their application in Transition metal catalyzed asymmetric reactions funded by Department of Science & Technology,Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India
- Development of Polybenzimidazole (PBI) based membranes and synthesis of novel extractants for the extraction of trivalent actinides and lanthanides funded by UGC – DAEConsortium for Scientific Research.
Facilities
- Fume Hood Exhaust
- Vacuum pump
- UV – Chamber
- Analytical Balance
- Hot Air – Oven
- Rotary Evaporator
- Magnetic stirrers
METALLURGICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING LABORATORY
METALLURGICAL AND MATERIALS ENGINEERING LABORATORY
About the Lab
Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Laboratory is to carry out various research activities which are related to Powder Metallurgy, Heat Treatment of different ferrous and nonferrous Alloys and various Metallurgical analysis of different components.
Objectives
- To sinter newer Alloys, Composites and special steels through powders.
- To obtain high performance materials such as Engine Valves, etc., through Vacuum Hot Press.
- To Heat treat various materials to alter the microstructure for desired applications.
- To develop dissimilar materials for various applications through powder metallurgy.
Current Projects
- Development of High Temperature Austhenitic Alloy through Mechanical Alloying for Engine Valves funded by Department of Science & Technology, Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India
SYNTHETIC CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
SYNTHETIC CHEMISTRY RESEARCH LAB
About the Lab
The synthetic chemistry research lab being involved in the synthesis of novel functionalized – azolium salts based ionic liquids. We have used these ionic liquids in the organic transformation as catalyst and reaction media, further we extent the application in the field of electrochemistry as electrolyte and lubricants as additives.
Objectives
- Synthesis and Characterization of –azolium salt based Br?nsted acidic room temperature ionic liquids (RTILs).
- Study their utility as solvent in organic transformation such as Biginili reaction, Mannichtype reaction, esterification, Beckmann rearrangement and etc
- Catalytic property of these RTILs in organic transformations
- Single crystal x-ray diffraction studies of small molecules
Outcomes
- 80 new examples of –azolium salts based Br?nsted acidic were synthesized and Characterized.
- The RTILs have shown better results in organic transformation as solvent
- The –azolium based RTILs have shown good catalytic and recyclability in organic transformations such as Biginili reaction, Mannich-type reaction, esterification
- The solid state structure of organic and inorganic small molecules were indentified and their weak interaction by using single crystals x-ray diffraction studies.
Current Projects
- Synthesis of N-alkylImidazolium / benzimidazolium / triazolium based Ionic Liquids and their Application in Organic Transformations as Solvent and Catalyst funded by Science and Engineering Research Board, Department of Science & Technology, Ministry Of Science & Technology, Govt. of India
CENTER FOR COMPUTATIONAL FLUID FLOW MODELLING (C2F2M)
CENTER FOR COMPUTATIONAL FLUID FLOW MODELLING (C2F2M)
Objectives
- To focus on application of CFD tools to perform simulations of transient flow phenomena, heat transfer and multi-phase flows.
- To use CFD modelling to improve performance and emission characteristics of diesel engines.
- To develop new computational modeling capability for the study of particulate flow deposition/erosion phenomena for turbomachinery applications in general.
Outcomes and Current Projects
- Passive controls of vortex shedding over a cylinder using combinations of slots and winglets
- Numerical study of solar radiation heat transfer for passive cooling systems in automotive applications
- Integrated approach using CFD and stereoltihography based rapid prototyping for developing gas turbine combustor
- Numerical study of prediction of particulate deposition on axial compressor rotor blades and its impact on compressor performance
- Numerical study on natural convection in vertical open channels with radiation effect.
- Experimental study on heat transfer prediction of wicked heat pipe
- Improving performance and emission characteristics of diesel engine using 3T (Time,
- Turbulence, Temperature) Techniques through the following
- Turbulence – Vortex generator at inlet manifold & Modified piston bowl shape
- Yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coated piston crown
- Stirling Engine for waste heat utilisation
HIGH SPEED BEARING TEST FACILITY
HIGH SPEED BEARING TEST FACILITY
About the Lab
This National facility was established with the Funding support of Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), a Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India if India under GATET (Gas Turbine Enabling Technology) initiative.
Objectives
The main objective of this lab is to Test and Monitor the Parameters such as Pressure, Temperature, Vibration etc., of High Speed Rotating Elements with the maximum speed of 25000 rpm with / without Loading / Misalignments.
Current projects
Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) a Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India Sponsored project titled “Experimental Studies of Deep Groove Ball and cylindrical Roller Bearings by Accelerated Load Tests.
Upcoming Projects
Aero Engine Research & Design Centre (AERDC), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore Sponsored project titled “Performance Testing and Tuning of Bearing Supports of HTFE-25 Core Engine on for Possible Axial and Radial Load Spectra Encountered during Engine Operation”
Combat Vehicles Research and Development Establishment (CVRDE) a Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence, Government of India Sponsored project titled “Experimental Studies of Deep Groove Ball and cylindrical Roller Bearings by Accelerated Load Tests.
Facilities
Test Rig with following Capabilities
- Maximum Speed: 25000 rpm
- Maximum Axial Load: 25kN
- Radial Misalignment: 0.2mm
- Max. Unbalance Load: 15 KN @20000 RPM
- Maximum Rotor Weight (Could be Simulated): 500kg
VEL TECH TECHNOLOGY INCUBATOR
The Vel Tech TBI registered under the Tamil Nadu societies Registration Act 1975 (Tamil Nadu Act 27 of 1975) with registration SL.No.438 of 2010 has been functioning inside the university campus.
The Technology Incubator set up with thrust on Waste Management specifically for E-waste, Bio waste and Plastics waste has been encouraging young and budding engineers to take advantage of the facilities for promoting their ventures.
With a view to help the startups, the incubator has set up important state of art facilities which consist of full-fledged E-waste and plastic waste Treatment Training centre and State of Art Bio-waste analytical Laboratory.
Not restricting to the students of Vel Tech, the Facilities can be availed by young entrepreneurs from outside as well for promoting Innovative ideas and converting to business ventures.
The incubator can guide the Innovators, Entrepreneurs and Technocrats to approach various funding agencies and raising the seed funds required for the ventures.
Young startups willing to avail the opportunity and becoming an Incubatee by sending the filled in application to our given address.
Vel Tech TBI is diversifying to other sectors as well, the following are the technology areas:
3D printing
Embedded systems/VLSI
IT/ITES Services
MAV/ Robotics
Automobile
Renewable Energy
The application forms can be downloaded from the website.Vel Tech Technology Incubator sanctioned by Department of Science and Technology(DST) has been established by Vel Tech Technical University(VTU), Avadi, Chennai in September 2010.
MATERIALS SCIENCE RESEARCH LAB
MATERIALS SCIENCE RESEARCH LAB
About the Lab
MSR Lab focuses on the Synthesis of Materials for Various technological applications such as high frequency optical generator single crystals, thin films for Optical applications and nanostructured ceramics for electric and magnetic device applications. This interdisciplinary area combines the areas of physical and chemical routes for materials synthesis. The fabrication involved metallurgical aspects for electrical and electronic device applications.
Objectives
- Synthesis of new materials and bulk growth of single crystals for Optical and ferroelectric applications
- Formation of Good quality Semiconducting thin films for optical applications
- Nano-Oxide materials for Dielectric applications
- Ferrites and Garnet Ceramic materials for magnetic memory device applications.
- Fabrication of Thin films for Solar Cell and Renewable energy applications
Outcomes
- Bulk crystals were grown in our laboratory for Non-linear optical (second harmonic generation) and for ferroelectric applications
- Good quality pure and doped ZnO thin-films were obtained by spin-coating techniques which could be used as wide-band gap semi-conductors
- Oxide materials such as lithium niobate (LiNbO3), BaTiO3, PZT, PMN-PT based compounds were synthesized for dielectric material applications.
- Ferrites such as cobalt ferrite, nickel ferrite in the form of nanocrystalline nature was synthesized in single phase nature One step synthesis of yttrium iron garnet, gadoliniumiron garnet were synthesized successfully.
- Heterojunction layers on ITO substrates are optimized which could be used as efficient layers for solar cell and energy harvesting applications
Research Focus
- Crystal Growth for Optical and Ferroelectric applications
- Thin Films for Optical and Semiconducting materials for Renewable energy applications
- Nano-Oxide materials for Dielectric application
- Ferrites and Garnets ceramic materials for Magnetic memory devices
PHOTOBIOLOGICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGY LAB
PHOTOBIOLOGICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL TECHNOLOGY LAB
About the Lab
The research work in the lab focuses on applying the concepts of photophysical chemistry to understand certain biological systems along with other organized media and to develop pharmaceutical formulations of drugs used in various diseases such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. The absorption and fluorescence spectrsocopic techniques are used as photophysical tools.
Objectives
- To evaluate the binding nature of serum albumins with biological aggregates, (liposomes and bile salt aggregates) in native and denatured states.
- To identify suitable formulation for photosensitizers, such as biodegradable polymers by using fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy.
- To promote fluorescence spectroscopy as a simple and sensitive methodology, which can be adopted in photodynamic diagnosis and photodynamic therapy.
- To use the intrinsic fluorescence of drugs to evaluated drug – drug delivery media interaction.
- To find out suitable disaggregating media to overcome aggregations of drugs under physiological conditions.
Outcomes
- The association of serum albumin with the biological aggregates are prominent and they can stabilize the serum albumins in the native state.
- Photosensitizer fluorescence can be monitored by using their photophysical properties.
- Various organized media are used as drug delivery systems for hydrophobic drugs..
- Aggregation of drugs are avoided and made pharmaceutically useful by certain drug delivery systems.
- Absorption and Fluorescence spectroscopic techniques are effectively used for pharmaceutical analysis.
I. Protein fluorescence
Biopharmaceutics
- Proteins with Tryphtophan, Tyrosin and Phenylanaline are fluorescent in nature.
- Biopharmaceutics – Formulation of proteins is challenging due to their aggregation
- Aggregation/ Denaturation of proteins can be controlled by using bio-colloids.
II. Photosensitizer fluorescence
Photodynamic therapy – Photodynamic diagnosis
III. Drug fluorescence
Drug Delivery Systems
- Fluorescent drug molecules used in understanding the physio-chemical properties of drugs and drug delivery systems (DDS) interaction.
- Research leads to evaluation of DDS suitable for a particular drug molecule.
- Solubilization of aggregated drugs with DDS, such as liposomes and bile salts
Current Projects
A photophysical study on the association of serum albumins with biological aggregates in native and denatured states funded by Department of Science & Technology, Ministry Of Science & Technology, Govt. of India
CENTRE FOR AUTONOMOUS SYSTEM RESEARCH LAB
CENTRE FOR AUTONOMOUS SYSTEM RESEARCH LAB
About the Lab
CASR Lab is dedicated to carry out multi-disciplinary research activities and innovative projects for diverse applications including environmental monitoring, power line inspection and telecommunications. The emerging 3D printing system development and integration is other key areas of research.
Objectives
- Developing engineers with a strong interdisciplinary background in current and evolving engineering practices for unmanned and autonomous systems
- To enhance the knowledge in theoretical and practical aspects of development of Rapid Prototyping technology.
- To undertake industry and government sponsored R&D projects in the fields UAV, Robotics, and 3D Printing
- Establish an Entrepreneur to serve the society
- To inculcate global knowledge through student exchange programmes
Outcomes
- Developed UAVs for Power line inspection, Telecom tower radiation measurement and Structural Health monitoring of civil structures.
- Finite Element Analysis of Selective Inhibition Sintering (SIS) Process and Development of SIS system
- Ongoing funded projects in the field of Micro Aerial Vehicles (Indo-Taiwan), Rapid Prototyping ( DST), and Test Rig for UAVs ( DRDO)
- Developed entrepreneurs in the field of CAD, FEA and UAV.
Awards
- Won First Prize in a National Level Competition conducted by Power Grid Corporation Ltd. For the Development of Hexacopter UAV to inspect the power line cables.
- Aegis Graham Bell Award in the category of “Best Innovative Business Model -2014” forTelecom tower structure inspection and on-line radiation measurement.
Patents
- Appln No. 2237/CHE/2014 – Power Line Inspection Robot – Submitted
- Appln No. 5037/CHE/2014 – Telecom Tower Inspection Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles- Submitted