Research Projects
10. Small-scale Resistance Welding of Various Configurations of Fuel Assembly in PHWR: Model development, weld-schedule testing and quality enhancement
Objectives: The primary objective is to develop a Finite-Element based transient 3D electrothermal-mechanical model considering the instantaneous contact surface(s) behavior and validate against the measured data on nugget diameter, maximum voltage and dynamic resistance for a Strip-On-Strip and Wire-On-Wire Resistance Spot Weld (RSW) joints. Subsequently, extend the validated model and test the weld schedules of three differently configured resistance weld joints (Spacer-pad to clad tube, End-cap to clad tube and End-plate to end plug) of Fuel Assembly used in Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR). Finally, minimize the quality variation band by optimizing the respective weld schedules.
Role: Principal investigator
Sponsored by: Board of Research in Nuclear Sciences (BRNS), DAE
Project duration & amount: 3 years & Rs. 49.96 lakh (proposal seminar given on 22/08/2022)
9. Process and hybrid tool design for higher productivity in FSW butt-joints of thick Al-alloy 2219 plates
Objectives: Design the hybrid tool profile with optimum process parameters for FSW butt-joints of AA2219-T8 thick plates (up to 15 mm) with enhanced welding speeds (up to 1000 mm/min).
Role: Principal investigator
Sponsored by: Aeronautics Research and Development Board, DRDO
Project duration & amount: 3 years (Oct 2021-Oct 2024) & Rs. 33.12 lakh
8. Heat Transfer Enhancement Study of Li-ion Battery Pack
Objectives: To design and suggest the optimum coolant conditions such that the maximum temperature (hot spot) on Cell (or Pouch) surface lies within the permissible limit of 25-30°C and the variation of maximum temperatures across the battery is less than 5°C.
Role: Principal investigator
Sponsored by: HBL Power Systems Pvt Ltd., Hyderabad
Project duration & amount: 6 months (Jan 2018- June 2018) & Rs. 5.31 lakh
7. 300 kW Motor-Controller: Thermal Simulations and Analysis to Study Hot Spots
Objectives: To perform detailed thermal simulations and predict the “Hot Spots” on Controller-Shell surfaces for different motor speeds, Controllers (Derlin and MOSFET) and Controller capacities. Subsequently, based on the predicted peak temperatures on Controller surface, suggest the reliable and economical Controller for the 300kW Motor-Controller used as part of underwater propulsion system.
Role: Principal investigator
Sponsored by: HBL Power Systems Pvt Ltd., Hyderabad
Project duration & amount: 3 months (May - July 2016) & Rs. 2.5 lakh
6. CFD based Process Optimization of Flotation Cell and Scale-up for Larger Cells
Objectives: To redesign the Flotation Cell process parameters by comparing the proposed CFD based predictions with the experimental data in terms of the air bubble size, dispersion and residence time. Subsequently, propose and develop the process maps for large size Flotation Cells using the concepts of scale-up.
Role: Principal investigator
Sponsored by: Tenova Delkor India, Bangalore
Project duration & amount: 12 months (Dec 2014- Dec 2015) & Rs. 33.16 lakh
5. Process Modeling and Validation of Flotation Cell: Development of 3-D Multiphase Turbulent Model
Objectives: To develop three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model and predict the water-air bubbly flow dynamics in terms of air bubble size, dispersion and residence time in industrial Flotation Cell. Subsequently, to optimize the design and process parameters for maximum dispersion and residence time of air-bubbles and thereby enhance the Flotation Cell process efficiency. Finally, the selection of best macro-scale models for turbulent two-phase water-air bubbly flow used for scale-up.
Role: Principal investigator
Sponsored by: Tenova Delkor India, Bangalore
Project duration & amount: 4 months (June 2014- Sept 2014) & Rs. 7.83 lakh
4. Effect of the Dynamic Contact Angle (DCA) on Inkjet Droplet Characteristics
Objective: To elucidate dynamic contact angle (DCA) effect on drop characteristics (size and velocity) formed at a commercial piezo-electrically driven drop-on-demand printhead.
Role: Principal investigator
Sponsored by: DuPont R&D, U.S.A
Project duration & amount: 3 months (Year 2006) & Rs. 12 lakh
3. Model based Optimization of Continuous Carburizing Operation
Objective: To design optimum process cycles for carburization of different auto components in continuous carburizing and heating furnace (CCHF).
Role: Co-Principal investigator
Sponsored by: Tata Motors, Pune
Project duration & amount: 6 months (Year 2005) & Turnkey project (Rs. NA)
2. Model based Optimization of Roller Hearth Annealing Operation
Objective: To design optimum process cycles for annealing bundles of high speed steel (HSS) rods in a roller hearth furnace.
Role: Principal investigator
Sponsored by: GKW Steels Pvt Ltd., Titlagarh, Orissa
Project duration & amount: 6 months (Year 2004) & Turnkey project (Rs. NA)
1. Studies on Weld Pool Convection and Evolution of Macro-microstructures in GMAW Process
Objectives: To study the heat effects on weld pool geometry and final micro-structures in low-carbon alloy steel weldments.
Role: Doctoral Scholar under Prof. Pradip Dutta, IISc, Bangalore
Sponsored by: DST, India
Project duration & amount: Year 2003