Research Centers
Vel Tech promotes state-of-the-art multidisciplinary research among students and faculty members. Vel Tech Research Park houses well-established National facilities, Centres of Excellence, and Cutting – Edge Laboratories to promote research among students and faculty members. Vel Tech has received grants worth Rs 5000+ lakhs from diverse funding agencies such as DST, SERB, DBT, DST-NSTEDB, MeitY, DRDO, ISRO, CSIR, DST-CII-GITA, ICSSR, AICTE, TNSCST, CPRI, MSME, IE, and other International Collaborations (Indo – Taiwan, Indo – France, Indo – Canada, Indo – Korea). Sophisticated laboratories were established at Research Park in association with various organizations and industries. Over 20 research labs are fully functioning at Research Park with active Industry-Academia collaboration. To name a few, the Dassault System Lab, Centre for Autonomous System Research, 3D Printing and Scanning Lab, Cyber Security Lab, Artificial Intelligence Lab, and Green Synthesis and Novel Bio & Nanomaterials Lab.
Institute provides funds for filing provisional, complete specifications until the patent is granted. Seed grant is offered to the faculty members to perform preliminary research, procurement of research equipment, software, and other research activities. The research team of Vel Tech was involved in the development of UAVs in association with the University of Victoria, Canada, and Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology (DGIST), South Korea, for bridge inspection and water quality monitoring. Indo – France research collaboration focused on the development of Electric Bike. A high-speed bearing test facility developed with GTRE funding of 188 lakhs is well utilized for testing the bearing of HAL, CVRDE, and GE. 25 Research Projects worth more than Rs. 600 lakh funded by DBT, DRDO, DST, ISRO, SERB, Central Power Research Institute, and TNSCST are ongoing. IPR cell has filed 141 patents, out of which 14 are granted, and 114 are published. Vel Tech received Rs. 180+ lakh from Non-Govt. agencies and Rs. 700+ lakh from Govt. agencies for the pursuit of Research in the last five years.
The list of Research Centers hosted at Research Park
Centre for Antenna and Electronic Materials
Overview
In this lab Conventional coper based antenna are replaced by the graphene based printed antennas. Developing material based process to use graphene for antenna applications. Replacing Copper with Graphene Composites for Space Antenna Applications. Design and Development of flexible /tractable antenna. Experimental trial of generating power from the antenna through Rectenna subsystem. Development of an efficient feeding network for flexible and retractable antenna setup
Key Research Areas
• Graphene Antenna
• Printed Electronics
• Material Coating
• Thermal Management
Faculty Members/JRFs/PhD Scholars
• Mr. R. Prasanna
• Mrs. R. Rachel Jeeva Light
• Mr. Chandravijay Bharati
Research Facilities
• DELL Workstation with 32GB RAM
• Microwave Power Meter (10MHz-6GHz)
• Microwave Power Detector (10MHz-6GHz)
• Sheet Resistance Meter
• Dielectric Constant Meter
Details of Funded / Consultancy Projects
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Centre for Autonomous System Research (CASR)
Overview
Centre for autonomous system research (CASR) focuses on interdisciplinary research inculcating mechanical, aeronautical, electronics, computer science and bio-technology. CASR received more than 250 lakhs funding from various funding agencies such as DST, DRDO, ISRO, DBT, TNSCT, IEI, MSME and completed many consultancy project. 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 and Indo – Korea), Indo – Canada and funding support from Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO – AR & DB) agencies. Developed SWARM of UAVs under the funding of ISRO for landslide monitoring. 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. CASR won many prestigious awards including Aegis Graham bell award, Best Innovative Model, Power Grid Corporation award and won many national and international student competitions.
Key Research Areas
• Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
• 3D Printing
• Robotics
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
• Image Processing
• Finite Element Analysis
• Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis
Faculty Members/JRFs/PhD Scholars • Dr. E Balasubramanian, Professor (Mechanical) – Head)
• Dr. D Rajamani, Associate Professor (Mechanical)
• Dr. G Surendar, Associate Professor ( Aeronautical)
• Dr. S Sridevei, Associate Professor (ECE)
• Mr. E Elangovan, SRF
• Mr. Nirmal Prabhath, PhD Student
• Mr. Bharath Srinivasan, MTech Student
Research Facilities
• 15 kg payload Multirotor UAV; LiDAR; Thermal camera; 3D printer; Load Cells; HD Cameras; Environmental meter, Load cell DAQ interface, Radio controller, Water quality sensors, Surface roughness tester Metallurgical microscope, Stereovision camera, Embedded development board
Details of Funded / Consultancy Projects
| S.No | Project Title | Funding agency | Amount | Duration | Collaboration |
| 1. | UAV Based In-situ Measurements and Hyperspectral Analysis for Water Quality Mapping and Developing Remediation Strategies | DST- SERB – EQUITY | INR Rs 42.54 Lakh | 2022 – 2025 | NRSC |
| 2. | Devising point-of-care diagnostic microchip biosensor for early diagnosis of cardiovascular disease | DST – GITA | INR 41.23 Lakh | 2022 – 2025 | Indo-Taiwan(Tamkang and National Sun Yat-Sen University) |
| 3. | Energy efficient and optimal path planning strategies for SWARM of UAVs in real time localisation using deep learning based stereo vision system | ISRO – Respond | INR 23.01 lakhs | 2019 – 2021 | NESAC |
| 4. | Development of 3D Printed flexible patch antennas for enhancement of communication range in UAV | DRDO | INR 29.06 Lakh | 2021-2023 | NAL |
| 5. | Drone assisted mapping of seaweeds at Chilka lake and development of Value added products from biomass | DBT | INR 61.00 Lakh | 2021-2024 | Delhi University |
| 6. | Minimizing the Post Harvesting Loss In Ware Houses Through Examining Rice Kernel / Paddy Quality using Infrared Measurements and Image Processing Algorithms. | TNSCST | INR 2.00 Lakh | 2021-2023 | TNWC |
| 7. | UAV Autopilot system for water sampling with folding arm. | Indo -Korea | INR 6.40 lakhs | Sept. – Nov. 2021 | Sun Moon University |
| 8. | Expansion of Activities of Biotech- KISAN Hub in Three Aspirational Districts (Kadapa, Vizaingaram and Visakhapatnam) of Andhra Pradesh | DBT | INR 6 Lakh | 2019-2020 | ANGRAU |
| 9. | Development and Formation Control of Micro Ornithopters | DST– GITA – CII, | India : INR 26.35 Lakhs, Taiwan : NTD 17.15 Lakhs. | 2013 – 2016. | Indo – Taiwan Collaboration (Tamkang University) |
| 10. | Ornithopter Test Rig – Design, Analysis and Manufacture | DRDO – AR & DB | INR 9.74 lakhs. | 2014- 2016 | NAL |
| 11. | Robotic assisted rapid prototyping of near net shape components through indigenous polymers | DST-SERB | INR 22.16 lakhs | 2014 – 2018 | |
| 12. | Near Net Shape Components through Automated Selective Inhibition Sintering Process (SISP) for Small Armament Applications | DRDO – ARMREB | INR 27.15 lakhs | 2015 – 2018 | ARDE |
| 13. | Full Field Non-Contact SHM Protocols for Long Span Railway Bridges and Heritage Structures | DST – ICIMPACTS | India: INR 41.15 lakhs, Canada: CAD 1,44,066. | 2015 – 2018 | Indo – Canada Collaboration Project (University of Victoria) |
| 14. | Design and Development of Autonomous Amphibious Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and UAV mountable water sampling devices for Water Based Applications | DST– GITA – CII | India: INR 3 Crore and South Korea: 7 Crore | 2017 – 2019 | Indo – Korea Collaboration (DGIST and Rovitek) |
| 15. | Design and Development of Ornithopter Test Rig | IEI | INR 50,000. | 2013 – 2014 | Institution of Engineers |
Consultancy Projects
1. Design and Analysis (structural and vibration) of launcher platform and articulation mechanism for NAMICA, Bharat Electronics Limited, Chennai, Rs. 5 lakhs, Mar 2003 – Apr 2004
2. Finite Element and Kinematic Analysis of Fueling Machine, BARC, Mumbai, Rs. 6 lakhs, Dec 2003 – Oct 2005.
3. Bridge Inspection using UAV, LASA India Pvt. Ltd., Rs 80,000 Jan 23- 27, 2018
4. Design and Fabrication (Composite Material) of Hybrid UAV, M/s Magnum Wings, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, Rs. 3,57,000, June – August 2019
5. Modeling and CFD analysis of Hybrid UAV, M/s Magnum Wings, Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, Rs 1,20,000, July – August 2019.
6. Development of multi rotor system for 1kg payload, BLUNAV TECHNOLOGIES PVT LTD, Rs 2,60,000, Oct – Dec 2020
7. Mapping of airport fencing with accurate RTK module, BLUNAV TECHNOLOGIES PVT LTD., Rs 45,000, Oct – Dec 2020
Centre for Biochemical Engineering
Overview
Biochemical engineering laboratory was established to understand how life science discoveries can be converted into commercially viable products and to create novel engineering solutions to underpin future bioprocess operations across a wide range of sectors. The fundamental research focuses on the characterisation of biological systems and products, and then synthetic biology to engineer biological systems capable of novel, more efficient, and sustainable solutions, as well as improvements in the quality and quantity of biological products.
This laboratory focuses on the production of value added biochemical from microorganisms. We are working on the development of value added chemicals such as 3-hydroxypropionate, Polyhydroxybutyrate, vitamin-B12 and natural colourants through strain selection, genetic manipulations, pathway engineering, and process development with the help of metabolic engineering, synthetic biology and genome engineering tools using various microorganisms as cell factories.
We aim to contribute to the development of national and regional industries by enhancing efficiency and building a new type of economy, promoting successful market entry of local manufacturing companies through the development of convergence technology, creating good jobs through nurturing technical specialists, and promoting economic vitalization.
Key Research Areas
• Metabolic Engineering
• Synthetic Biology
• Genome Engineering
• Bioprocess Technology
Faculty Members/JRFs/PhD Scholars
• Dr. S. Mugesh, Associate Professor
• Mr. Sathyanarayanan, JRF and PhD Scholar (2021-ongoing)
• Ms. R. Sai Nandhini , Assistant Professor and PT- PhD Scholar (2019-ongoing)
• Ms. R. Nirmala Nithya , Assistant Professor and PT- PhD Scholar (2019-ongoing)
Research Facilities
• Thermocycler (Equipped with gradient PCR option)
• E-porator (Capable of delivering DNA into all bacteria)
• Bio-safety cabinet (Class I and Class II)
• Deep freezer -200C (Vertical model)
• Autoclave
• Incubator (Both static and shaker options)
• Centrifuge (Table top and refrigerator)
• UV-visible spectrophotometer
• Gel document
Details of Funded / Consultancy Projects
| S.No | Project Title | Funding agency | Amount (Rs.) | Duration | Collaboration |
| 1. | Development of improved process for production of 3-hydroxypropionic acid from crude glycerol and lignocellulosic biomass derived glucose. | DBT | 84,800,020 | 2021-23 | IITM |
| 2. | Development of a highly sensitive technique for specific detection of pesticidal residues and heavy metals in crude herbal drugs and herbal products | DBT | 25,22,000 | 2020-2022 | – |
| 3. | Drone Assisted Mapping of Seaweeds at Chilika Lake and Development of Value Added Products from Biomass | DBT | 68,00,000 | 2021-2024 | Delhi University |
Bioenergy And Bioproduct Research Lab
Overview
The Bioenergy and Bioproduct Research lab was established to support professional manpower with skills in the development of technology for the production of bioproducts to serve the needs of the industry and society. In this lab we focussed in the conversion of waste into wealth and bioenergy. We concentrate not only in the treatment of waste but also simultaneously convert them into value added products along with byproducts. Apart from solid waste the gas pollutant also sequester to value products using algae. We were focussed in the translational research and hence installed an industrial pilot plant so that the concept proved in the lab is scaleup to industrial pilot plant and full fill the requirements of the industry. We also focussed in giving training for the students in the industrial pilot plant and also in the lab for isolation of anaerobic bacteria using anaerobic glove box. We build the capacity and potential of the product through economic feasibility analysis. We also give training for the specific growth of algae using different photobioreactors. We allow the industries to utilize our facility for the production of value bioproducts with standard specification. We also train the students to get the industrial exposure along with lab trails. We also provide consultancy serviced for the industries as per their requirements.
Key Research Areas
• Bioenergy –Biomethane and Bioethanol
• Environmental Biotechnology
• Industrial unit operations
• Algal growth and products
• Anaerobic bacterial culture
Faculty Members/JRFs/PhD Scholars
• Dr. R. Ravikumar
Research Facilities
1. Anaerobic fermentor – 500 L
2. Flate panel photobioreactor – 250 L
3. Tray dryer – 10 Tray capacity
4. Pulverizer – 50 kg/ batch
5. Plate and Frame filter press
6. Anaerobic glove box
| Details of Funded / Consultancy Projects Funded Projects :
Consultancy Projects :
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Centre for Biomaterials & Environmental Biotechnology
Overview
Inspired by nature, our centre emphasis on development and exploration of functional biomaterials for biotechnological and environmental applications.
Our research focuses on the discovery of novel biomaterials with new functionalities providing a great advantage over conventional materials and their use in sectors like food, medicine, healthcare and the environment.
We develop unique biotechnological processes which involve microorganisms, sustainable materials and natural biochemicals to synthesize cutting edge products in various fields of Environmental Biotechnology, Sustainable Technologies and Applied Microbiology
Here we develop different bio-based coating materials using silk proteins, tree gums, insect resins, sugars and so forth greener additives. These materials will be directly applied to the foods or packing materials for hydrophobic, protective and shelf-life extension properties. We are working on multidisciplinary projects and below are several research themes currently are in progress:
• Development of hydrophobic coatings for cellulose products like paper cups
• Development of Bioplastic materials using sustainable sources
• Novel organic-inorganic composites/fibres
• Using agro-industrial wastes to produce microbial pigments
• Edible coating materials for shelf-life extensions of perishable foods
Key Research Areas
• Edible Coatings
• Microbial Pigments
• Novel Bio & Nanomaterials
• Bioremediation
• Waste Utilization & Value Addition
• Bioplastics
• Food packing materials and so forth
Faculty Members/JRFs/PhD Scholars
• Dr. Tarangini Korumilli, Assistant Professor
• Ms. Kavi Palepu, PhD scholar (2021-Ongoing)
• Ms.Shilo Nesa Sherlin, PhD scholar (2021-Ongoing)
Research Facilities
| S.No. | Name of the Equip | Units | Foreign/ Indigenous |
| 1 | FTIR spectrophotometer | 1 | Foreign |
| 2 | Tensile tester (fibre) | 1 | Indigenous |
| 3 | Laboratory Pad dryer | 1 | Indigenous |
| 4 | Wash fastness tester | 1 | Indigenous |
| 5 | Moisture analyzer | 1 | Indigenous |
| 6 | Crock meter | 1 | Indigenous |
| 7 | Light fastness tester | 1 | Indigenous |
| 8 | Humidity chamber | 1 | Indigenous |
| 9 | Refractometer | 1 | Foreign |
| 10 | Twist tester | 1 | Indigenous |
| 11 | GSM cutter | 1 | Indigenous |
| 12 | Hotplate stirrer | 1 | Indigenous |
| 13 | pH meter | 1 | Indigenous |
| 14 | Oven | 2 | Indigenous |
| 15 | Ultrapure water unit | 1 | Indigenous |
| 16 | Deep freezer (-20°C) | 1 | Indigenous |
| 17 | Orbital shaker | 1 | Indigenous |
Details of Funded / Consultancy Projects
| S.No | Project Title | Funding agency | Amount (Rs.) | Duration | Collaboration | |
| 1. | Developing Novel Applications from silk Fibers and silk proteins | Department of Biotechnology (DBT), India | 89,90,000/- | 2021-23 | Central Silk Technological Research Institute (CSTRI), Bengaluru | |
Centre for Biomedical Spectroscopy
Overview
The study of optical activity of liquids began in the early 19th century with Biot and other scientists. They found that solutions of sugar and certain other naturally occurring chemicals would rotate a beam of polarized light passing through the solution. They called such substances optically active. Near infrared spectroscopy is used where multicomponent molecular vibrational analysis is required in the presence of interfering substances. The near infrared spectra consist of overtones and combination bands of the fundamental molecular absorptions found in the mid infrared region.
The Biomedical Spectroscopy Research Centre was established to support professional manpower with manufacturing technology know-how from idea creation to technology development and commercialization under a systematic system, thereby enhancing regional industry and national technological competitiveness.
This research institute is dedicated to fostering technical commercialization experts (CEOs, incumbents), developing and spreading convergence subjects (educational courses), manufacturing convergence technology prototypes and operating shared equipment utilization centres, and commercializing convergence R&D results through industry-university cooperation. We aim to contribute to the development of national and regional industries by enhancing efficiency and building a new type of economy, promoting successful market entry of local manufacturing companies through the development of convergence technology, creating good jobs through nurturing technical specialists, and promoting economic vitalization.
Key Research Areas
• NIR Spectroscopy for chemometric profiling.
• Non-Invasive Measurement of body metrics using NIRS.
• ML-based modeling for early prediction of events for medical prognosis.
Faculty Members/JRFs/PhD Scholars
• Dr. Neelamegam D, Associate Professor, Department of ECE.
Research Facilities
• GPU and non-GPU PCs/workstations
• Application software(s) — Matlab v2019a, Python 3.10.0 (Anaconda 2.1), Xilinx Vivado
Details of Funded / Consultancy Projects
| S.No | Project Title | Funding agency | Amount (Rs.) | Duration | Collaboration |
| 1. | Development of sensing systems for rapid and in situ quality assessment of Black rice, Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) Elsholtzia griffithii and Cinnamomum zeylanicum of north-east India using spectroscopic (NIR and Raman) technologies | DBT-HBM | 29,98,560/- | 2 Years (2022-2024) | IBSD JU |
Centre for Composite Research
Overview
Composite research lab (CRL) 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. Our research group processing the composite materials (ceramic/metal) or coatings/parts using direct ink writing (Extrusion based 3D printing) and thermal spraying technique.
The primary research focus of our lab is to understand the effect of direct ink writing process parameters such as printing speed, nozzle-substrate distance, nozzle size, flow rate on the mechanical and microstructural properties of the 3D printed part as well as to understand the key factors influences the dimensional accuracy and resolution of the printed part and how to control these factors.
Also, CRL is doing active research on the area of “erosion wear of the thermal sprayed coatings”. The development of new erosion wear resistant and high-temperature oxidation protection systems both from engineering and economic perspectives are challenging and useful to the society. Thereby improving the efficiency and reliability systems subjected to high temperature.
Specific Objectives:
1. To develop erosion wear resistant composite coatings using thermal spraying technique.
2. To fabricate 3D printed ceramics/composite structures or scaffolds for biomedical application.
3. To develop biomimetic structures using fused deposition modeling (3D printing).
Also, to provide hands-on training to students in the area of 3D printing.
Key Research Areas
• Development of alumina/tricalcium phosphate structures using direct ink writing technique for biomedical applications.
• Development of bio-mimetic structures using fused deposition modeling.
• High temperature erosion and corrosion resistant Fe-based thermal spray coatings.
• Fused deposition modeling process parameter optimization of PLA/Al composite material.
• 3D printing of multiwalled carbon nanotube/polyvinyl alcohol composites for electronic circuit applications.
Faculty Members/JRFs/PhD Scholars
• Dr. Praveen A. S., Associate Professor
• Mr. T. Ramesh, PhD Scholar (2018-Ongoing)
• Mr. Belgin Paul D. L., PhD Scholar (2018-Ongoing)
• Mr. Tarek Al Musalli, PhD Scholar (2020-Ongoing)
Research Facilities
• Extrusion based 3D printer (Ceramic material; Maxi. Pressure – 6 bar, Nozzle size – 0.6 to 1.2 mm)
• FDM printer (PLA material)
• Tensile testing machine (Load – 20N)
• Box furnace (Maxi temperature – 900 ºC)
Details of Funded / Consultancy Projects
| S.No | Project Title | Funding agency | Amount (Rs.) | Duration | Collaboration |
| 1. | Additive manufacturing of osteogenic and infection resistant bone tissue engineering scaffolds | SERB-TARE | 18,30,000/- | 2022 – 25 | IIT-M |
| 2. | Preparation and characterization of ceramic suspension for direct ink writing | VEL TECH SEED FUND | 1,20,000/- | 2017-18 (Completed) | – |
Centre for Computational Aerodynamics and Shock Waves
Overview
The Centre for Computational Aerodynamics and Shock Waves of Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology aims for Research in the area of APPLIED GAS DYNAMICS. The lab provides computational facilities in the areas of High Speed Jet Mixing, Supersonic Combustion and so on. In addition to catering to the needs of undergraduate and post-graduate laboratory course needs, it caters to the research requirements of Doctoral (PhD) and Master (MTech) students. Currently 2 doctoral students are doing their research in the lab.
The lab also houses a shock tube, where the high pressure required for rupturing the diaphragm is generated inside the driver tube by operating a compressor. These tubes find application in diverse areas like biotechnological and nano technological applications. Hypersonic shock tunnel facility is capable of producing hypersonic flow for test times of the order of 300 µs. The shock tube portion is of 29 mm inner diameter, with driver and driven lengths of 0.4 m and 0.6 m respectively. The shock tunnel portion consist of a CD-nozzle of 75 mm exit diameter, a rectangular test section and a cylindrical dump tank where models up to 50 mm (cross-wise dimension) can be mounted.
Key Research Areas
• CFD for subsonic, sonic underexpanded and supersonic jets.
• Hypersonic shock impingement on rocket and missile forebody.
• Shock wave impingement on biotechnological and nano technological applications.
• Unconventional energy such as solar stills, small scale wind turbines research and development.
Faculty Members/JRFs/PhD Scholars
• Dr. R. Naren Shankar, Associate Professor, Department of Aeronautical Engineering.
• Mr. V.G. Ganesan, Ph.D. Scholar (2020-Ongoing)
• Ms. Irish Angelin, Ph.D. Scholar (2022-Ongoing)
Research Facilities
• Hypersonic Shock Tunnel Facility and vertical shock tube facility.
• PCs/workstations with Application software(s) — ANSYS v2019, Matlab v2019a, Python 3.10.0
Details of Funded / Consultancy Projects
| S.No | Project Title | Funding agency | Amount (Rs.) | Duration | Collaboration |
| 1. | Optimizing Supersonic Co-Axial Nozzle design for Mixing Enhancement. | SERB-TARE | 18,30,000/- | 2022-24 | IITM |
| 2. | Hypersonic Shock Tunnel | VEL TECH SEED FUND | 1,99,214/- | 2022-23 | – |
| 3. | Autonomous Underwater Vehicle | NSTL-DRDO | 8,40,000/- | 2019-20 (Completed) | NSTL-DRDO |
| 4. | Thermal efficiency enhancement of domestic LPG stove | Preethi Kitchen Appliances Pvt. Ltd. | 2,17,129/- | 2018-20 (Completed) | PKAL |
Centre for FEM and CFD Simulations
Overview
Simulations are the most cost-effective way to design prototypes, validate the design and verify experiments numerically. In the fast-developing world, computational power is getting increased, which help numerical simulation for the validation engineering problems. Centre for FEM and CFD simulations at Vel Tech is engaged in providing valuable services to engineering society and augmenting scientific knowledge. This centre is engaged in the high-fidelity simulation of mechanical systems through the finite element and computational fluid dynamic simulations, digital twinning, metaheuristic computing, optimization, data analytics and fuzzy decision making. The centre is equipped with high-end computers, workstations and servers which are complemented by an array of programming, modelling, simulation, design and analysis software. The centre is engaged in research and consultancy works and has recently completed a project on ‘Optimization of High-speed Vessel and Evaluation of the Hydrodynamic’ sponsored by Naval Science &; Technological Laboratory (NSTL) – DRDO, India. The centre has established collaboration with leading universities in the world including the University of Eastern Finland, Finland; Military Academy Belgrade, Serbia; VSB Technical University of Ostrava, Czech Republic; Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India. The centre has published more than 50 research papers in the last three years. This centre is managed by Dr. M Elangovan, Professor, of Mechanical Engineering with 15+ years of experience in CFD simulations, Dr S. Christopher, Professor with 12 years of experience and Dr. Kanak Kalita, Assistant Professor, of Mechanical Engineering with 6+ years of experience in FEM simulations and optimization.
Key Research Areas
• CAE/FEA for aerospace, automobile, structural and biomechanical applications.
• Metaheuristic/nature-inspire tools and frameworks for global optimization.
• ML-based metamodeling & high-volume data crunching for expensive CFD/FEM applications.
• Fuzzy-based uncertainty modelling & multicriteria decision making.
• Design of Rotodynamic Pumps
• CFD on Radial Flow Pumps and Vertical Inline Pump
• FEA on Pump Components
• Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping
Faculty Members/JRFs/PhD Scholars
• Dr. M. Elangovan, Professor
• Dr. S Christopher, Professor
• Dr. Kanak Kalita, Assistant Professor
Research Facilities
• GPU and non-GPU PCs/workstations
• Application software(s) — ANSYS v2019, Matlab v2019a, Python 3.10.0 (Anaconda 2.1), Weka 3.9
Details of Funded / Consultancy Projects
| S.No | Project Title | Funding agency | Amount (Rs.) | Duration |
| 1. | Optimization of high-speed vessel and evaluation of hydrodynamic performance | NSTL (cars) | 8,40,000/- | 2019-21 (Completed) |
| 2. | Development of Smart Home IoT Services and Training POC with Model | M/s DTC | 50,000/- | 2021-22 |
| 3. | Optimization of Solar Photovoltaic Water Pumping System with DC Motor | TARE/SERB | 18,30,000/- | 2021-2024 |
Centre for Interfaces & Nanomaterials
Overview
Our focus is to understand and exploit interactions between nanostructures (organic/inorganic nanoscale objects) in complex chemical and physical environments. Our efforts involve green route biological and chemical synthesis, functionalization, materials characterization and application studies directed towards proof-of-principle creation.
This centre conducts research on a wide variety of topics related to Bionanoscience and Novel nanomaterials. For instance, our nanomaterial synthesis approaches rely on safer, easier and eco-friendly processes. We use plant materials and green chemicals to produce novel nanoscale materials and utilize them to generate formulations/products to solve challenges in the biotechnology, healthcare and environmental sectors. This unit’s central goal is to synthesize and explore the utilization of nanostructures in the fields of Applied Nanotechnology, Biotechnology and Chemical Sciences.
We are working on translational, need-oriented societal & industrial innovations and below are several research themes currently are in progress:
• Green synthesis and optimization of process parameters to produce novel isotropic & anisotropic mono/multimetallic/hybrid nanomaterials
• Organic-inorganic nanocomposites for water and wastewater treatment
• Novel nanocides for antibacterial and antifungal applications
• Natural foaming agents (bathing/shampoo materials) with active silver for healthcare and personal hygiene
• Colloidal sulfur based multifunctional green pesticides
• Value added products from algal biomass
Key Research Areas
• Green Synthesis and BioNanotechnology
• Antimicrobial Nanocomposites
• Applied Biotechnology
• Water Treatment
• Multifunctional Materials
• Natural Foaming Agents
• Photocatalysis and so forth
Faculty Members/JRFs/PhD Scholars
• Dr. K Jagajjanani Rao, Associate Professor
• Mrs. S Vimala Rani, PhD scholar (2021-Ongoing)
• Mr.Vaishak Ravindran, JRF (2020-Ongoing)
• Mr. E.Anbu Chezhiyan, Project Assistant (2021-Ongoing)
Research Facilities
| S.No. | Name of the Equip | Units | Foreign/ Indigenous |
| 1 | Atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) | 1 | Foreign |
| 2 | Multiparameter photometer | 1 | Foreign |
| 3 | Multiparameter pH meter | 1 | Foreign |
| 4 | UV-Vis spectrophotometer | 1 | Foreign |
| 5 | Optical microscope | 1 | Indigenous |
| 6 | Spray dryer | 1 | Indigenous |
| 7 | Lyophilizer (-80°C) for aqueous samples | 1 | Foreign |
| 8 | Bath sonicator | 1 | Indigenous |
| 9 | Probe sonicator | 1 | Foreign |
| 10 | Centrifuge -18R | 1 | Indigenous |
| 11 | Orbital shaker | 1 | Indigenous |
| 12 | Refrigerator | 1 | Indigenous |
| 13 | Vacuum oven | 1 | Indigenous |
| 14 | Hotplate stirrer | 1 | Indigenous |
| 15 | Microbalance | 1 | Indigenous |
| 16 | Oven | 1 | Indigenous |
| 17 | BOD incubator | 1 | Indigenous |
| 18 | Laminar flow hood | 1 | Indigenous |
Details of Funded / Consultancy Projects
| S.No | Project Title | Funding agency | Amount (Rs.) | Duration | Collaboration |
| 1. | Multifunctional Colloidal Sulphur Particles: A promising Green Pesticide for Practical Agriculture Applications | DST Agro-Tech | 27,19,114/- | 2020-22 | IIT Chennai |
Centre for IoT and Expert Systems
Overview
Expert system design using machine learning and Internet of Things (IoT) environment is developed for smart city applications in this lab. The lab focuses on Digital Elevation Modelling (DEM), 3d mapping and merging cloud points using 3d sensors such as LIDAR and stereovision cameras. The process is entirely done through on-board processor such as NVIDIA jetson and Xavier platforms. The lab has also developed air pollution monitoring portable UAV monitoring kit for air pollution measurement. This project is done with the collaboration of NESAC-ISRO GOI, INDIA funded under ISRO-RESPOND scheme. The lab also focuses on mapping and identification of sea weeds in the coast of ODISHA in collaboration with the Delhi University. The image processing and IoT based setup developed in this lab provides accurate identification of seaweeds and their location along the cost of CHILIKA lake in ODISHA. The underwater robots and deep learning image processing tools are developed through this DBT funded project. The lab provides tools and solution to enhance the Feed Conversion Ratio of the shrimps using IoT and expert system models. The water quality sensors such as pH, DO, Turbidity and temperature sensors are deployed in the real time ponds across various places in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh for monitoring vannamei shrimp ponds. The water quality data along with the environmental parameters are monitored and stored with the big data model to analyse and provide advisory systems to the farmers. This project is done with the collaboration with ICAR-CIBA funded by DBT, GOI, INDIA.
Key Research Areas
• Internet of Things based smart environment design
• Expert System design for sustainable development
• Self-Healing system design for aquaculture
Faculty Members/JRFs/PhD Scholars
• Dr. G. R. Kanagachidambaresan
• Mr. Sellat Quasay
• Mr. Ebisa
• Ms. Sowmiya V
• Mr. Ashok Kumar
• Ms. Arivu Bragan
• Mr. J. Vivek
• Mr. Vijayaraj J
Research Facilities
• Digital sensors
• Portable digital meters
• Water quality kits
Details of Funded / Consultancy Projects
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Centre for Materials and Manufacturing
Overview
Researchers and industrial experts from manufacturing field have to work towards integrated objective of manufacturing critical components using advanced materials with the help of sustainable and reliable manufacturing techniques. Similarly, the development of advanced engineering materials with excellent mechanical, chemical, thermal and physical properties have constituted unique challenges to create component with complex and intricate design requirements.
Manufacturing of any component from advanced engineering materials using modern manufacturing processes will post new challenges in terms of effective utilization of energy, raw materials, systematic processes planning with help of digital manufacturing, integration of design aspects with manufacturing and suggesting suitable process for new materials and more. To identify further needs of advanced engineering materials and manufacturing processes, the Research Centre for Materials and Manufacturing is being setup at Vel Tech University and focuses on materials, machine tools, processes and products to enhance their efficiency and effectiveness and address the major challenges in sustainability and productivity that are increasingly faced by Indian manufacturing industries.
Our team has a strong track-record on academic outputs such as publications, projects, patents and Ph.Ds through a balanced portfolio of fundamental and applied research, which is also supported by funding agencies and industry driven approach to teaching and commercial research.
Key Research Areas
• Machining of aerospace, automobile and bio materials
• Metrology and Structural Integrity tools for processed materials
• Digital Manufacturing
• Utilization of solid industrial wastes for the development of sustainable products
Faculty Members/JRFs/PhD Scholars
• Dr. N. Yuvaraj, Associate Professor/Mechanical
• Mr. K.L. Naresh Raj, PhD Scholar (2021-Ongoing)
• Mr. V. Balaji, PhD Scholar (2019-Ongoing)
• Mr. Subramani, PhD Scholar (2019 –Ongoing)
• Mr. Vasudevan, PhD Scholar (2019-Ongoing)
Research Facilities
• Digital Microscope – Measurement of tool wear, profile features, contact angle, surface topography
• Abrasive sieve shaker – Sieving different types of minerals with size-wise including solid wastes
• Abrasive slurry jet setup – Provides abrasive slurry mixture for water jet machining
Details of Funded / Consultancy Projects
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Centre for Metal Forming
Overview
With recent improvements in geometrical fidelity, surface integrity and material options, additive manufacturing (AM) is emerging as an important option in design and development of aerospace, automotive, medical and many other sectors etc. With significant impact on design and manufacturing protocols, AM is creating several vistas for newer designs, lighter, safer products with shorter lead times and lower costs. Applications of AM parts like fuel injectors, combustors, fan casing etc. in aerospace; fluid handling (pumps, valves), exhaust system (cooling vents), exterior (bumpers) etc. in automotive; and orthopedic, dental as well as tissue implants and prosthetics in biomedical sector have already been reported during the past few years by numerous groups. Processes like direct metal laser sintering, electron beam melting, selective laser melting, fused deposition modeling etc. are among the AM options that are found to have created significant impact in industrial product innovation and supply chain transformation. The aim of lab to Generation of AM material test data that is in the direct interest of industries that design systems for dynamic loading conditions. This special data is hitherto not generated and hence the outcome of the lab is unique. Although the effects of laser sintering on quasi-static behaviour of materials have been established, its effects on high strain rate behaviour have not been studied. Thus, this research will be unique in view of understanding the effects of laser melting on materials behaviour under dynamic loading conditions. Central thrust of this research is in alignment with automobile and aerospace industry needs to support vehicle weight reduction by efficient design and use of high strength materials.
Key Research Areas
• Artificial Intelligence for Prediction of Life of 3D Printed Parts.
• Online detection of AM parts using artificial intelligence
• Ultrasonic nondestructive test for metal AM parts
• Characterization of aluminum alloy (AlSi10Mg)
Faculty Members/JRFs/PhD Sch0lars
• Dr. Sachin Salunkhe (Associate Professor)
• Mr. Pavan Chandankar, PhD Scholar (2017-Ongoing)
• Mr. Swapnil Chandgude, PhD Scholar (2019 – Ongoing)
Research Facilities
• Hot Air Oven
• Spin Coating
• Furnaces
Details of Funded / Consultancy Projects
| S.No | Project Title | Funding agency | Amount (Rs.) | Duration | Collaboration |
| 1. | High Strain Rate of Laser Melted Materials for Facilitating the Application of Tools and Dies | VEL TECH SEED FUND | 1,39,370/- | 2021-22 | – |
Centre For Molecular Photoscience
Overview
The molecular photoscience laboratory (MPL) is studying the relationship between light and matter through an interdisciplinary science that combines chemistry, biology, and physics. The MPL aspires to elucidate molecular mechanisms of function and light-induced phenomena in nanomaterials and bio-related molecules using conventional optical setups. In addition, the researchers in MPL want to create new nanomaterials and test their photophysical properties and functions. At this juncture, the MPL utilizes several optical spectroscopic techniques and quantum chemical calculations to explore both the ground and excited-state properties of photoactive nanomaterials and other intramolecular charge transfer-based dyes.
The results obtained from the MPL will aid in the development of a new category of solar energy materials, and their proper structural arrangement can make them potential candidates for future-generation sensors and solar energy materials. The MPL could also provide world-class training in this field of breakthrough science to M.Sc. and Ph.D students, as well as interns. Dr. A. Kathiravan is an expert in this laboratory. He is currently working on sensitizing perovskite with various dyes and studying their photophysical properties. He is also working to improve the methodology for investigating processes in various dye-sensitized perovskites on titania materials. Eventually, the experimental research findings will be propagated to esteemed researchers through seminars, domestic and international conferences, workshops, expert meetings, journal/book chapter publication, and so on.
Key Research Areas
• Porphyrazine-sensitized solar cells: Rational Molecular Design, Photoinduced Processes, Panchromatic Sensitization and Devices
• Investigating Electron Injection Dynamics of Pyrene derivatives on TiO2 surface towards Dye Sensitized Solar Cells
• Light induced processes of Porphyrin molecules, materials and devices for solar energy conversion
• Functionalized carbon dots towards forensic and imaging applications
• Development of colorimetric and fluorimetric chemosensors for toxic species
Faculty Members/JRFs/PhD Scholars
• Dr. A. Kathiravan, Associate Professor
Research Facilities
• UV-Vis Spectrometer (Shimadzu UV-1800)
• Spectrofluorimeter (Hitachi F-4500)
• Fiber Optics Spectrophotometer (MARUTEK DT-3000)
Details of Funded / Consultancy Projects
| S.No | Project Title | Funding agency | Amount (Rs.) | Duration | Collaboration |
| 1. | Porphyrazine-sensitized solar cells: Rational Molecular Design, Photoinduced Processes, Panchromatic Sensitization and Devices | SERB-SRS | 62,25,000/- | 2019-22 | N/A |
Centre for Thermal Management
Overview
The center for thermal management laboratory was established to create the facility to understand the heat dissipation over the electronic systems as well as energy storage systems. Removing unwanted waste heat and understanding the need for heat balance in any system will improve its performance drastically. Our main objective is to Develop different heatsinks with different fins, heatsinks incorporated with nano phase change material, and nano-coated heatsinks for better thermal management. We developed the experimental facility to attract Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and research scholars to conduct their experiments in this field and generate more research publications out of them.
We aim to collaborate with industry and reputed research laboratories to bring out the finest thermal management device from the research stage to the commercial stage
Key Research Areas
• Nano PCM based heat sink for electronic thermal management
• Nano coated heat sink with different fins for EV battery as thermal pack.
• Additive manufactured porous membrane for desalination applications.
Faculty Members/JRFs/PhD Scholars
• Dr. M Arulprakasajothi, Professor
Research Facilities
• Setup for heat transfer study on heat sink
• Facility to prepare Nano PCM
Details of Funded / Consultancy Projects
| S.No | Project Title | Funding agency | Amount (Rs.) | Duration | Collaboration |
| 1. | Fabrication of Graphene coated Cu heat sink for electric vehicle battery thermal management | SERB-TARE | 18,30,000/- | 2022-25 | IIT Mandi |
