Research Centers

AUTOMOTIVE ENGINE TEST FACILITY (AETF) 

Automotive Engine Test Facility at  Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology is equipped with 150KW, 500Nm Eddy Current dry gap dynamometer with an initial investment of about Rs. 3 crores on engine test cell equipments and related facilities to conduct performance and durability studies on Internal Combustion Engines. To provide solutions to Industrial problems through quality research in the field of Engine design and development The Laboratory was inaugurated by Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, 11^th President of India on 25.07.2013.

RESEARCH PROJECTS CARRIEDOUT:

• A research proposal has been carried out through DAAD scheme jointly by Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology-Chennai, The Automotive Research association of India-Pune and The Technical University of Braunchweig, Germany.
• A project on Development of Swirling Device for improving the fuel economy has been funded by MSME under Vel Tech – MSME Business Incubator.
• Experimental and Computational Study of Effect of Piston Bowl On Shape Engine Performance and Emission Characteristics.
• Experimental Study on the effect of Semi-Adiabatic engine using Thermal Barrier Coating on performance and emission characteristics of 3.3Ltr NA Diesel Engine.

• Experimental and Computational Study of Enhanced Swirl on Performance and Emission Characteristics.
• Experimental study on fuel injection timing optimization on 3.3 ltr C.I Engine.
• Experimental Study on Emission and Performance Characteristics of Diesel Engine Fuelled by Palm Methyl Ester.
• Experimental study on Hydrogen assist petrol engine performance and emission characteristics.
• Experimental study on thermal barrier coating in cylinder head and valves on performance and emission characteristics of a three cylindrical engine.
• Experimental Studies on the Effect of the Thermo Electric Cooling Inside the Car   When Parked Under the Hot Sun.
• Experimental Study and Effect of Thermal Barrier Coating on Performance & Emission Characteristics of Diesel Engine.
• Experimental study on Combined Effect of Thermal Barrier Coating and Enhanced Air Swirl.
• Experimental study on the effect of helical blade swirler on Engine Performance.
• Experimental study on the effect of Yittria Coated Cylinder Head on Performance and Emission Characteristics of a diesel engine.
• Effect of Fuel Injection Timing on Diesel Engine Performance & Emission Characteristics.
• Experimental study on the effect of performance and emission characterization of pyrolysis oil blended with diesel.
• Experimental study on the effect of performance and emission characterization of Mango seed oil.
• Extraction of Bio diesel from Micro algae.
• Experimental Investigation on the effect of injection pressure on performance and emission of diesel emission operated with Datura stramonium blended with diesel.
• NOx improvement and emission reduction by optimizing fuel injection for ethanol blended diesel engine.
• Emission Reduction Using Blends of Thevetia Peruviana seed Oil with Diesel on Naturally aspirated Diesel Engine.
• Thermal efficiency improvement using combined effect of thermal barrier coating on piston crown and swirl with ethanol blended diesel on a natural aspirated diesel engine.
• Piston bowl shape modification to improve Engine performance and emission characteristics of naturally aspirated diesel engine.
• Performance and emission characterization of sapodilla oil blend with Diesel.
• Performance and emission characteristics of Datura oil blend with diesel.
• Experimental Investigation on the effect of injection timing and swirl induction    using helical & helical spiral manifold in a C.I Engine.
• Experimental Investigation to improve the performance of a CI engine fueled with Palm stear in bio diesel using swirl and injection techniques.
• Analyze the effects of Intake air swirl motion on a naturally aspirated diesel engine with modified inlet manifold.
• Experimental study on combined effect of thermal barrier coating and enhanced air swirl on performance and emission characteristics of a 3.3 Ltr naturally aspirated diesel engine.
• Experimental study on Hydrogen assists petrol engine performance and emission characteristics.

Biochemical and Genome Engineering Lab

Brief about the Research Areas:

The Biochemical and Genome Engineering Lab in Vel Tech conducts strong interdisciplinary research in the fields on Biochemical Engineering, Metabolic Engineering, Synthetic Biology and Genome Engineering. The focus of this laboratory is to develop technologies to produce value added chemicals from low price carbon sources using microbial cell factories by modifying the native metabolism of host microbes.

Research Facilities Available:

Laminar Air Flow chamber, Shaker Incubator, Static Incubator, Table top centrifuge, Deep freezer, Atomic Absorption Spectrometer, UV-Visible Spectrophotometer

Important Highlights and Outcomes:

1. Received grant of 96.79 lakhs from DBT, India for Microbial production of 3-hydroxypropionic acid from crude glycerol and lignocellulose derived glucose.
2. Established research collaboration with various  International and national Universities.

Details of the Researchers:

1. Dr Mugesh. S- Assistant Professor,Department of biotechnology
   • June 2018 – Present:  Assistant Professor (Research faculty),

   Veltech Rangarajan Dr.Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai.

   • Mar 2017- Feb 2018: UNIST Research Scientist

   Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan, Republic of Korea

   • Mar 2011- Feb 2017: Doctor of Philosophy in Chemical Engineering ,

   Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea

   • March 2009 – Feb 2011:  Assistant Professor
   • Vel Tech High Tech Dr.Rangarajan Dr.Sakunthala Engineering College affiliated to Anna University, Chennai.
   • Aug 2007 – June 2009: Master of Technology in Biopharmaceutical Technology (8.73 /10)

   A.C.College of Technology, Anna University, Chennai, India.

   • Aug 2002 – June 2006: Bachelor of Technology in Industrial Biotechnology (74%)
   1. S. R. College of Technology, Anna University, Chennai, India.

   Research Interests

   • Metabolic Engineering
   • Biochemical Engineering
   • Synthetic Biology
   • Genome Engineering

   Technical Expertise

   • Molecular Biology
   • Genetic Engineering
   • Fermentation Technology
   • Enzymology
   • Protein Sciences
   • Bioinformatics

   1. Ms. Sai Nandhini

2. Ms. Nirmala Nithya (Part time PhD scholars)

Bio Sensors & Instrumentation Lab

Brief about the Research Areas:
Optical chemosensors and Biosensors, Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), Noble metal nanoparticles synthesis, Medical image processing and Biomedical Instrumentation
Research Facilities Available:
Hot air oven, Digital weigh balance, Fluorescence spectrometer, Rotary vacuum evaporator, soxhlet extraction apparatus
Important Highlights and Outcomes: DBT project on detection of pesticidal residues
Details of the Researchers:
Dr. A. Gowri received her Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics from Department of Biomedical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras in the field of optical fiber based chemical sensors and bio sensors. Currently, she holds Assistant professor (Research) position at Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R & D Institute of Science and Technology, Avadi, India. Her research work focuses on Optical chemosensors and Biosensors, Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS), Noble metal nanoparticles synthesis, Medical image processing and Biomedical Instrumentation. She has published articles with good impact factor in peer-reviewed international journals in the area of optical sensors.

Combustion Lab

Brief about the Research Areas:

The work in this lab is focused mainly in the area of combustion, its stability for use in aircraft engines, UAV, power generations units and many such energy devices. Some of research areas in which the work is currently going are:

• Combustion,
• Combustion instability,
• Nano-particle combustion,
• Gas turbine combustor,
• Porous media combustion technology

Research Facilities Available:

• Combustor test rig
• Can combustor (swirl/porous)
• Flow visualization
• Setup water tunnel
• Nano-particle mist generator
• Vel-Olympus combustor
• Window Bomb
• Hybrid rocket motor

Important Highlights and Outcomes:

Highlights:

1. Developed porous media technology to suppress combustion instability and burn ultra-lean fuels
2. Studying the thermal-diffusive instability in the gas turbine combustion in order to detect and mitigate cause of combustion instability in Gas turbine combustor

Outcomes: Publications:

• D Bhatt, S.R. Chakravarthy, Nonlinear flame dynamics for laminar flame in a co-flow mixing layer with widely varying premixedness: preferential diffusion and stoichiometry effects, Combustion Science and Technology (published online) https://doi.org/10.1080/00102202.2020.1811699
• Kirubakaran, D Bhatt, Study of Flow Field inside a Can Combustor for Micro Gas Turbine Engine under Non-Reacting Flow Conditions,  Journal of Aerospace Technology and Management (Accepted)

Technology Developed:

Details of the Researchers:

1) Dr. David Bhatt, Ph.D (IIT Madras) Assistant professor, Department of Aeronautical Engineering

2) Dr. Naren Shankar, Ph.D Anna University), Associate professor, Department of Aeronautical Engineering

3) Dr Ganeshan, Ph.D (Anna university), Associate professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Composites Research Center (CRC)

About the lab

Composite research center (CRC) is dedicated to carryout basic and applied research in the field of composites and nanomaterials. It is actively involved in the design and development of materials providing innovative solutions for energy and medical issues.

Specific Objectives: 1. To develop erosion wear resistant composite coatings. 2. To fabricate 3D printed ceramics/composite structures for biomedical application. 3. To develop biomimetic structures using fused deposition modeling (3D printing). Also to provide multidisciplinary hands on training to students.

Research Facilities Available:

• Extrusion based 3D printed FDM printer
  • Probe type sonicator
  • Tensile Testing Machine (20N)
  • Vacuum Oven
  • Hot air oven Box Furnace (450 ºC)
  • Magnetic stirrer
  • Mechanical stirrer
  • Hot plate.

Important Highlights and Outcomes:

• Development of alumina/tricalcium phosphate structures using direct ink writing technique for biomedical applications
• Bio-mimetic structures using fused deposition modeling
• High temperature erosion and corrosion resistant Fe-based thermal spray coatings

Outcomes

• Designing and development 3D structures for biomedical application using 3D printing.
• Development of protective coatings for energy applications using thermal spray technique.
• Publications: 5 Nos
• D. students (current): 4
• PG students graduated/current: 5/1
• Project proposal submitted: 3
• UG students graduated/current: 4/2

Center for FEM and CFD Simulations

Brief about the Research Areas:

School of Mechanical Engineering and construction (SoMC) is a diverse discipline that encompasses the teaching, practice and leadership of others in the development and application of scientific principles to engineering systems. The teaching goal is viewed as, students are expertise in independent innovation, interpersonal communication and inter-operability. Professors are with doctoral qualification from eminent Institutions like IIT, IISC, Bangalore, NITS, Deakin University, Melbourne Australia, Hiroshima University, Japan etc., and post-doctoral degrees from Institutions such as IISC Bangalore, Concordia University – Canada, University of Tennessee – USA, etc. Department has received Rs. 250.68 Lakhs from the Government funding agencies such as Aeronautics R&D Board, DRDO and DST towards R&D projects during the last three years.

Though the teaching and research is a primary goal for the faculty, special task is set to support of industry in India. A team of professors from different domains are formed as an expertise team to improve the industrial product design and manufacturing by doing a technical consultancy and numerical simulation services
Research Facilities Available:

(i)  Software(s) Modelling software (CATIA) FEM solver – Ansys FEM  CFD Solver – Ansys CFD

(ii)  Hardware(s)

High End Server – 2 nos.  for simulation/computation

Workstation – 15 nos. for modelling and meshing

Important Highlights and Outcomes: 
– Modelling and analysis of mechanical system using FEM solver
– Linear, nonlinear, dynamic, thermal and impact analysis
– Crash and impact analysis in Automotive
– Pump modelling and flow analysis
– Cavitation noise and vibration analysis in pump
– Co-Flow Jet analysis
– Supersonic Jet Control
– Flow over bluff bodies
– Afterburner Combustion
– Combustion analysis of system
– Thermal system design and energy dissipation analysis
– Marine system design and simulations
– Hull design and optimization
– Improve ship propulsion system
– Improve the performance of ship operation by energy optimization
– Flow analysis using CFD in mechanical system

Details of the Researchers:

Dr. Elangovan Muniyandy, Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department.  He is First class degree holder in Mechanical Engineering and Post graduated in Mechanical Engineering with specialization of Engineering Design. He is graduated as a Doctorate from Hiroshima University, Japan in the field of Naval Architecture. Dr. Elangovan Muniyandy is having more than 20 years of Professional Experience in Ship Design and Research, many projects for the different kind of ships have been carried out. More than 45 research papers have been published in journal, conference and seminar. He has worked in ship design companies, offshore companies, classification society and software development companies which helped him to start his own company to server international maritime industry. Currently doing research project for NSTL which DRDO lab, Visakhapatnam.

Dr. S. Christopher, Professor
Dr. P. Lakhsmanan, Associate Professor
Dr. R. Naren Shankar, Associate Professor
Dr. David Bhat, Assistant Professor

Green Synthesis and Novel Bio & Nanomaterials Lab/Bioincubator facility

Brief about the Research Areas:

• Multifunctional Bio and Nanomaterials synthesis, Characterization and Process optimizations, Green Pesticide development. Antimicrobial and Edible Coatings, Smart protective fibres, Water treatment and other areas which fall under Applied Biotechnology, Microbiology, Nanotechnology and Chemical Sciences.

Research Facilities Available:

• • Synthesis and Prodcut development facilites with basic and key instruments like Atomic absorpiton spectrophotometer, Advanced UV-vis Spectrophotometer, Multiparameter Photometer, Microscope, UV box, Bath sonicator, High precesion analytical balance, pH meter, Laminar flow hood, BOD and shaking incubators, Ovens, etc. Some sphosticated instruments which will come soon under projects are: Spray dryer, ATR FTIR spectrophotometer, Ultrasonic spryer, Textile Pad dryer, Probe Sonicator, LIght fastness tester, Moisture balance, Washin fastenss tester, etc.

Important Highlights and Outcomes:

Our highpoints include assisting in Innovations development, Mentoring students, Offer technology services to companies, Individuals, Institutes/Universities, Collaborations with other laboratories and so forth.

Our recent innovations include: Anti-dandruff hair care/Protective bathing bars, Green route synthesized Nano Ag, Au, Cu, Pd, ZnO, S, Ag-Au sols and powders, Technology for protective clothing, Composites for water treatment, Edible coating for fruits and vegetables, etc.

Recent achievements:
Project with title, “Multifunctional Colloidal Sulfur Particles: A Promising Green Pesticide for Practical Agriculture Applications”, Department of Science and Technology (DST), India, and project value: 27.19 Lakhs
Project with title, “Developing Novel Applications from Silk Fibres and Silk Proteins”, Department of Biotechnology (DBT), India, and project value: 89.99 Lakhs

Researcher’s Details

Dr Jagajjanani Rao K, Ph.D

Assistant Professor (Research), Biotechnology

·        Strong leadership skills, diligent and result oriented R & D

·        professional, has experience of over 10 years in managing research

·        projects resulting in 20 publications and 5 conference contributions

·         Awarded with DST AgroTech Grant (33 Lakh), BIRAC postdoctoral

·        research grant (of Rs. 5 lakh p.a.) and 2 DBT projects in the advanced

·        stage of Clearance

·         Knowledgeable innovator and Director of a start-up, GreeNano

·        Technologies Pvt Ltd. Actively engaged in mentoring students to

·        accomplish their entrepreneurial activities, Translational research and

·        collaborative product development works with colleagues, start-ups and government agencies

·         Working on need-oriented societal & industrial innovations focusing on Green Nanotechnologies, Smart Nanofabric materials,

·        Water Treatment, Interfaces and Nanomaterials, Multifunctional materials,

·        Photocatalysis, and so forth of the areas Applied Nanotechnology,

·        Biotechnology and Chemical Sciences

Dr TaranginiKorumilli, M.Tech, Ph.D is from NIT Rourkela, Odisha and working in Vel Tech from 2019. Her previous work contributions include 1) Guest Faculty (Biotechnology) in Centre for Converging Technologies, University of Rajasthan, and 2)  Course coordinator(Nutraceutical Development) in DST supported – Design Incubation Center of University of Rajasthan, Jaipur from 2016-2018. She is a knowledgeable innovator, co-founderof a start-up (GreeNano Technologies Pvt Ltd) withstrong leadership skills, and has experience of more than 7 years in managing translational research projects & professionals. Currently, she is an active PI with a DBT Silk Project grant of Rs. 90 Lakh and was also executing DST AgroTech grant of  worth 28 Lakh as a Co-PI.  She is excellent communicator with expertise in Microbial Pigments, WasteUtilization and Environmental Biotechnology as evidenced by 1 book, 11 International publications and recognition in scientific events.

Vaishak R, NTS 030 (DST, JRF); UG students – Shanuja J, Kajal Singh, Pooja B, Shalini Priyanga

About the Lab

Centre for autonomous system research (CASR) focuses on interdisciplinary research inculcating mechanical, aeronautical, electronics, computer science and bio-technology. CASR developed rotary, flapping, fixed wing and amphibious Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) under the aegis of Department of Science and Technology (DST) – Global Innovation and Technology Alliance (GITA) through international collaborations (Indo – Taiwan, Indo – Canada and Indo – Korea) and Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO – AR & DB) agencies. CASR promotes state-of-the-art research on UAV and also train the students to develop UAVs for diverse applications including power line inspection, telephone tower inspection and radiation measurement, water quality monitoring, bridge and heritage structure inspection, environmental monitoring, aerial mapping and traffic monitoring etc. It also developed novel and low – cost rapid prototyping systems to 3D print the parts for armament and aerospace applications funded through DRDO – ARMREB.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

 3D Printing

 Robotics

 Image Processing

 Finite Element Analysis

 Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis

On Going Funded Projects

1. “Energy efficient and optimal path planning strategies for SWARM of UAVs in real time localisation using deep learning based stereo vision system”, ISRO – Respond, 2019 – 2021, Rs. 23.01 lakhs, On-Going.

2. “Expansion of Activities of Biotech- KISAN Hub in Three Aspirational Districts (Kadapa, Vizaingaram and Visakhapatnam) of Andhra Pradesh”, DBT, 2019-2020, On-Going.

Completed Funded Projects

1. Development and Formation Control of Micro Ornithopters”, Indo – Taiwan Collaboration Scheme, DST– GITA – CII, July 2013 – 2016. India : Rs 26.35 Lakhs, Taiwan : NTD 17.15 Lakhs.

2. “Ornithopter Test Rig – Design, Analysis and Manufacture”, DRDO – AR & DB, SIGMA Panel, Sep. 2014- Dec. 2016, 9.74 lakhs.

3. “Robotic assisted rapid prototyping of near net shape components through indigenous polymers”, DST-SERB, Jun- 2014 – 2018, 22.16 lakhs.

4. “Near Net Shape Components through Automated Selective Inhibition Sintering Process (SISP) for Small Armament Applications”, DRDO – ARMREB, July 2015 – Jan 2018, Rs 27.15 lakhs.

5. “Full Field Non-Contact SHM Protocols for Long Span Railway Bridges and Heritage Structures”, Indo – Canada Collaboration Project, DST / IC – IMPACTS, Oct. 2015 – 2018, India: Rs 41.15 lakhs, Canada: CAD 1,44,066.

6. “Design and Development of Autonomous Amphibious Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and UAV mountable water sampling devices for Water Based Applications”, Indo – Korea Collaboration Scheme, DST – GITA – CII, Jan 2017 – Mar. 2019, India: Rs 3 crores and South korea: 7 crores.

7. “Design and Development of Ornithopter Test Rig”, Institution of Engineers, Oct. 2013 – April. 2014, Rs 50,000.

Details of the Researcher

Head – Dr E Balasubramanian, Professor, Dept. of Mechanical Engg. More than 15 years of research experience and pursued various funded projects under the aegis of DST, DRDO and ISRO. Collaborated with Taiwan, Canada and Korea scientists under Indo-Taiwan, Indo-Canada and Indo -Korea schema for the development of UAVs and Micro Aerial Vehicles. Custom made powder based additive manufacturing systems, design of test rig to measure aerodynamic forces of ornithopters, integration of sensors and data acquisition systems with the funding support of DST and DRDO. Published
more than 100 papers in the reputed journals and international conferences.

IoT and Edge Analytics Laboratory

Brief about the Research Areas:  IoT, Smart System design, Machine Leaning, Industry 4.0, Smart city applications
Research Facilities Available:  Wireless Modules, Single Board Computers

Important Highlights and Outcomes: 

This lab is capable to provide smart solutions to the problems in engineering domain through IoT Technology.  Here we develop indigenous boards and computing methodologies and develop tailor made solutions.  This laboratory is also involved in consultancy activities and funded project activities on IoT, Edge computing and smart system design.

 Outcomes

                Series of patents and copyrights were published on prototype development and code development.

Details of the Researchers:

• N. Karthick
• Prema
• Anantha Lekshmi
• Arivu Bragan
• Ebisa
• Vijayaraj

Dr. G. R. Kanagachidambaresan received his B.E degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Anna University in 2010 and M.E. Pervasive Computing Technologies in Anna University in 2012. He has completed his Ph.D.(Wireless Body Area Networks, Healthcare) in Anna University Chennai in 2017. He is currently an Associate Professor, Department of CSE, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology. His main research interest includes Body Sensor Network and Fault tolerant Wireless Sensor Network. He has published several reputed articles and undertaken several consultancy activities for leading MNC companies. He has also guest edited several special issue volumes and books in SPRINGER and serving as editorial review board members for peer reviewed journals. He is presently working on several Govt sponsored research projects like ISRO, DBT and DST.

ONGOING/SANCTIONED FUNDED PROJECTS (worth – 1,37,907 USD)

• “Energy efficient and optimal path planning strategies for SWARM of UAVs in real time localizationusing deep learning based stereo vision system”, ISRO – Respond, 2019 – 2021, Rs. 23.01 lakhs.
• “Drone Assisted Mapping of Seaweeds of Odisha coast including Chilika Lake especially for Gracilaria sp. and Enteromorpha sp. And Development of Value Added Seaweeds Products”, DBT, 2020-2025,Rs. 79.63 Lakhs.
• “Optimization of High-Speed Vessel and Evaluation of the Hydrodynamic Performance”, DRDO-NSTL,

10 Lakhs, Consultant on Controller design.

Molecular Photoscience

Brief about the Research Areas:

The major research areas focused in this laboratory are Colorimetric/fluorimetric chemosensors and developing the novel fluorescent nano-probes for various analytes such as anions/cations, explosives, pesticides and other toxics.

Research Facilities Available:

• UV-Visible spectrophotometer
• Spectrofluorimeter
• UV Chamber
• Semi Micro Balance
• Double distilled water unit
• Ultrasonic bath

Important Highlights and Outcomes:

• A pyrene based colorimetric chemosensor for CO₂ gas detection
• Efficient conversion of fuel waste to fluorescent carbon dots
• Anthracene based AIEgen for picric acid detection in real water samples
• An device for picric acid detection in latent fingerprints using carbon dots

Details of the Researchers:

Dr.Arunkumar Kathiravan received his Ph.D. from School Chemistry, Bharathidasan Universtiy, Tamil Nadu, India. Subsequently, he moved to Sweden to work as Post-Doctoral fellow with Prof. Villy Sundstrom, Lund University and he worked on the project of ‘Ultrafast dynamics of solar energy materials’. Dr. Kathiravan is well versed in the research areas of photophysics and photochemistry of organic molecules and dye sensitized solar cells. He has taught post-graduate students of ‘Photonics and Biophotonics’ for more than five years. He has served as a mentor for a number of graduates and under graduate researchers. He has an excellent contribution to science and he has 81 publications with h-index of 25 till date and he has three funded projects such as DST-Fast Track, DST INSPIRE and SERB Research Scientist. His contributions are recognized and were awarded as ‘highly cited corresponding author’ from Royal Society of Chemistry.  He is serving as a reviewer for several reputed journals.  His research interests include Solar cells, Sensors and Nanomaterials.

Thermal Energy storage Lab

Brief about the Research Areas:

Energy Storage:

Experimental study of charging and discharging behavior of different Phase change materials – With Nano additives – Performance study of Nano PCM with the finned heat exchanger.

Additive manufacturing for heat transfer applications:

Fabrication porous structures using Selective Laser Melting for Heat sink and PCM study

Telecom Centre of Excellence

Brief about the Research Areas:

In this lab we are designing prototyping and customizing patch antennas and material based antennas for various space and terrestrial applications. We are working on graphene-based antennas. Development of graphene-based MMIC cooling systems for launch missile applications. Here we are working on the development of graphene-based flexible electronic fabrication. Flexible batteries using printing material methods. We are also doing research in the areas of electrodes and sensors development using graphene, multi-layering of graphene in thermal management, and Radar Cross Section applications. Development of microcapillaries for heat pipes. All the above-mentioned applications are done by using graphene materials of various forms. We are developing graphene in the lab customizing them for the above applications we are also doing electrical and optical characterizations of the printed samples.

Research Facilities Available:

• DELL Workstation
• Digital Multimeter
• 10MHz to 6GHz Handheld RF Avg Power Meter
• 10MHz to 6GHz USB Peak and Avg Power Sensor
• Spectral Analyser
• RF signal Source ( 2 Nos)
• Antenna Training System
• Digital Conductivity Meter
• Magnetic Stirrer

Important Highlights and Outcomes:

• Funding Projects in ISRO and DRDO

• Student Projects and Higher studies

• Publications

• Patents

Details of the Researchers:

• Mr.Prasanna Ram is working as an assistant professor in Vel Tech University. Hefinished his UG in Adhiparasakthi Engineering College, completed PG in SSN college of Engineering and currently pursuing his PHD in Vel Tech University. He worked as an intern in Aircraft division at Hindustan Aeronautical Limited, Bangalore. He had two years of industry experience and seven years of teaching experience. He have one granted patent and eleven patents in First examination submitted stage. He is having eleven international journals and serving as a reviewer in three international journals. He is currently holding the position of principal investigator in ISRO RESPOND project for the development of duality payload using graphene material. Principal investigator in development of graphene based MMIC substrate development along with RCI, DRDO Hyderabad. Co-Investigator in development of graphene based 3D printed flexible antennas for UAV applications. His area of research includes Graphene based printed electronics, graphene based MMIC Transmitter and Receiver thermal management designs, Organic electronics design, graphene based sensors and wearable electronics for space and terrestrial applications.

Metal Forming

Brief about the Research Areas:

My present research areas are AI techniques to sheet metal works, Wear analysis of dies, High Strain Behavior, Additive Manufacturing, Fatigue analysis. I have worked in the area of die design (compound die), prediction of die life, wear analysis of sheet metal dies and recently started work in the area of high strain rate characterization of additively manufactured die material (tool steel) using split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) especially metal additive manufacturing and fatigue analysis. Past two-year 02 master’s students and 12 under graduate students completed their projects under my guidance. Apart from that, 06 research scholars (including 01 fulltime scholar) are working in the area of wear analysis of sheet metal dies, topology optimization of automobile components, plasma arc welding of tool steel and composite behavior of natural fibers for the application of automobile.

Research Facilities Available: In metal forming lab deals with the hot air oven and hot furnace. In the hot furnace the samples are heat upto 800⁰C

Important Highlights and Outcomes:

Innovation activities at industries need coordinated technology advisory service from research institutions from worldwide. Hence, we are collaborated with various researchers in worldwide for joint research proposal and paper publication such as DST (Indo-Sweden, Indo-Finland, Indo-Austria, SERB and SPARC). Published more than 55 research articles in reputed journals/conferences along with five book chapters. Research grant of Rs. 1,50,000/- has been sanctioned from Vel Tech institute for research project entitled “High Strain Rate of Laser Melted Materials for the Application Tools and Dies”.

National Research Collaboration: Metal forming lab can provide an essential foundation for growing competitiveness of metal forming sector. Therefore, we are collaborated with Central Glass & Ceramic Research Institute (CGCRI), Kolkata for enhance the ability to share and exchange resources in the emerging area of metal forming, additive manufacturing and high strain rate.

Industry Consultancy: Currently we are working on consultancy project entitled “Optimization of weight of arm bracket using compliance mechanism of additive manufacturing”, funded by TATA Motors Pvt. Ltd., Pune, India.

Details of the Researchers:

Dr. Sachin Salunkhe, is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering

Brief about the Research Areas:

Centre for autonomous system research (CASR) focuses on interdisciplinary research inculcating mechanical, aeronautical, electronics, computer science and bio-technology. CASR developed rotary, flapping, fixed wing and amphibious Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) under the aegis of Department of Science and Technology (DST) – Global Innovation and Technology Alliance (GITA) through international collaborations (Indo – Taiwan, Indo – Canada and Indo – Korea) and Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO – AR & DB) agencies. CASR promotes state-of-the-art research on UAV and also train the students to develop UAVs for diverse applications including power line inspection, telephone tower inspection and radiation measurement, water quality monitoring, bridge and heritage structure inspection, environmental monitoring, aerial mapping and traffic monitoring etc. It also developed novel and low – cost rapid prototyping systems to 3D print the parts for armament and aerospace applications funded through DRDO – ARMREB.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

 3D Printing

 Robotics

 Image Processing

 Finite Element Analysis

 Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis

Important Highlights and Outcomes:

On Going Funded Projects

1. “Energy efficient and optimal path planning strategies for SWARM of UAVs in real time localisation using deep learning based stereo vision system”, ISRO – Respond, 2019 – 2021, Rs. 23.01 lakhs, On-Going.

2. “Expansion of Activities of Biotech- KISAN Hub in Three Aspirational Districts (Kadapa, Vizaingaram and Visakhapatnam) of Andhra Pradesh”, DBT, 2019-2020, On-Going.

Completed Funded Projects

1. Development and Formation Control of Micro Ornithopters”, Indo – Taiwan Collaboration Scheme, DST– GITA – CII, July 2013 – 2016. India : Rs 26.35 Lakhs, Taiwan : NTD 17.15 Lakhs.

2. “Ornithopter Test Rig – Design, Analysis and Manufacture”, DRDO – AR & DB, SIGMA Panel, Sep. 2014- Dec. 2016, 9.74 lakhs.

3. “Robotic assisted rapid prototyping of near net shape components through indigenous polymers”, DST-SERB, Jun- 2014 – 2018, 22.16 lakhs.

4. “Near Net Shape Components through Automated Selective Inhibition Sintering Process (SISP) for Small Armament Applications”, DRDO – ARMREB, July 2015 – Jan 2018, Rs 27.15 lakhs.

5. “Full Field Non-Contact SHM Protocols for Long Span Railway Bridges and Heritage Structures”, Indo – Canada Collaboration Project, DST / IC – IMPACTS, Oct. 2015 – 2018, India: Rs 41.15 lakhs, Canada: CAD 1,44,066.

6. “Design and Development of Autonomous Amphibious Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and UAV mountable water sampling devices for Water Based Applications”, Indo – Korea Collaboration Scheme, DST – GITA – CII, Jan 2017 – Mar. 2019, India: Rs 3 crores and South korea: 7 crores.

7. “Design and Development of Ornithopter Test Rig”, Institution of Engineers, Oct. 2013 – April. 2014, Rs 50,000.

Details of the Researchers:

Head – Dr E Balasubramanian, Professor, Dept. of Mechanical Engg. More than 15 years of research experience and pursued various funded projects under the

aegis of DST, DRDO and ISRO. Collaborated with Taiwan, Canada and Korea scientists under Indo-Taiwan, Indo-Canada and Indo -Korea schema for the development of UAVs and Micro Aerial Vehicles. Custom made powder based additive manufacturing systems, design of test rig to measure aerodynamic forces of ornithopters, integration of sensors and data acquisition systems with the funding support of DST and DRDO. Published more than 100 papers in the reputed journals and international conferences.

Brief about the Research Areas:

Research in the field of cryogenic machining, abrasive water jet and machining metallurgy for low &high strength materials(alloys and composites).In addition, my focus areas are machining superalloys for aerospace modules, fabrication of texture pattern on biomaterial sand Intelligent machining process.

Research Facilities Available:

Advanced CNC Machining centers, CMM, Vision Measuring System, Surface roughness tester at Centre for Excellence Manufacturing, VTU Digital Microscope, Optical Microscope and Polishing Machine

Important Highlights and Outcomes:

• Slurry jet setup was developed for hybrid machining process
• Fabrication of texture pattern on biomaterials
• High aspect ratio holes were drilled on superalloys
• Piercing of inclined holes on superalloys
• Cryogenic machining of hard materials

Details of the researcher

Dr. N. Yuvaraj, Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering

Yuvaraj Natarajan currently working as an Assistant Professor (Research) in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, Chennai. He did his Ph.D. and M.E in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at College of Engineering Guindy Campus, Anna University, Chennai. And, he received his B.Tech from University College of Engineering-BIT Campus, Anna University, Trichy. He has received “CSIR-Senior Research Fellowship Award” from CSIR-HRDG, GoI, New Delhi and “Anna Centenary Research Fellowship” from Anna University, Chennai for his research work. He has published more than 25 articles in reputed International Journals and Conferences.

Dr. Prabhukumar S is working as an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering since June 2018. He has obtained his BE in Metallurgical Engineering (First Class with Distinction) from Anna University in 2006 and MTech in Metallurgical & Materials Engineering from IIT Madras in 2008. He has secured an All India Rank of 88 in GATE 2006 in Metallurgical Engineering. He pursued his PhD in Materials Engineering from Deak in University Australia through the prestigious Endeavour International Post-Graduate Research Scholarship (IPRS) from Commonwealth Government of Australia. His Post-Doctoral Research Fellowship (PDF) was funded by The Royal Academy of Engineering, London, under its Higher Education Partnership – India Newton Bhabha Scheme. Recently his research proposal submitted to DST-SERB under TARE scheme has been approved for funding up to three years (Jan 2021-Dec 2023). His area of expertise includes additive manufacturing, physical/mechanical metallurgy, materials characterization and mechanical testing of materials. His work at various institutions led to the creation of significant intellectual property in the form of peer-reviewed publications in international journals and conference proceedings.