Mechanical System Design
Mechanical System Design (MSD) focuses on understanding the mechanics, dynamics, and reliability of complex mechanical structures and components. The domain integrates principles of solid mechanics, structural dynamics, vibration, acoustics, and tribology to design efficient, robust, and high-performance engineering systems.
Research activities span experimental and computational solid mechanics, fracture and failure analysis, nonlinear and contact mechanics, and multi-scale modelling of materials and structures. Significant emphasis is placed on composite and smart structures, dynamics system behavior, and vibration and acoustic performance. Studies on rotordynamics, lubrication regimes, and tribological systems further support the development of reliable mechanical components used in aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications. Through analytical modelling, numerical simulation, and experimental investigations, the domain contributes to the design and optimization of next-generation mechanical systems.
Computational Solid Mechanics
This area focuses on the modelling and analysis of material and structural behavior using computational and numerical techniques. Research activities include finite element analysis, fracture and failure mechanics, contact and nonlinear mechanics, and multi-scale modelling approaches. Advanced methods, such as molecular dynamics and discrete element modelling are used to study complex material behavior, including heterogeneous and anisotropic materials under varying loading conditions, enabling improved design, performance prediction, and structural reliability.
Facilities
- Hardness Testing Machines (Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers)
- Torsion Testing Machine
- Rotary Bending Fatigue Testing Machine
- Spring Testing Machine
- Erichsen Cupping Test Machine
- Photo-elastic Stress Analysis Bench
Experts
Dr. Arun Kumar Pradhan, Dr. Mahendaran Uchimali, Dr. Mihir Kumar Pandit, Dr. Pattabhi Ramaiah Budarapu, Dr. Satish Kumar Panda, Dr. Soham Roychowdhury, Dr. Soumya Ranjan Sahoo
Labs
- Material Testing Laboratory
- Instrumentation Laboratory
- Metrology Laboratory
Composite Structures
This area emphasizes the design, analysis, and characterization of advanced composite and smart materials. Research includes composite and sandwich structures, smart and adaptive materials, and lightweight structural systems. These studies support the development of high-strength, lightweight, and multifunctional materials with enhanced durability and tailored mechanical properties for diverse engineering applications, such as aerospace, automotive, and advanced engineering systems.
Facilities
- Rapid Prototyping System (FDM-based)
- Optical 3D Surface Profiler System
Experts
Dr. Arun Kumar Pradhan, Dr. Mihir Kumar Pandit, Dr. Pattabhi Ramaiah Budarapu, Dr. Soumya Ranjan Sahoo
Labs
Machine and Mechanism Laboratory
Sense & Process Laboratory
Vibration, Acoustics, and Rotordynamics
Research in this research deals with the dynamic behavior of mechanical systems subjected to various excitations. It includes vibration analysis, structural dynamics, rotordynamics, and nonlinear dynamical systems. Experimental and operational model analysis techniques are used to validate system behaviour. Work in acoustics and noise control focuses on vibration mitigation, condition monitoring, and performance enhancement through advanced sensing, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance strategies of mechanical and industrial systems
Facilities
- Universal Vibration Apparatus
- Static and Dynamic Balancing Apparatus
- Whirling of Shaft Apparatus
- Gyroscope Experimental Setup
- Sound Impedance Tube
- Handheld Sound Analyzer
- Data Acquisition Systems (DAQ Boards and PXI Chassis)
Experts
Dr. Mihir Kumar Pandit, Dr. Rahul Kumar, Dr. Satish Daulatrao Dhandole, Dr. Satish Kumar Panda, Dr. Satyanarayan Panigrahi, Dr. Soham Roychowdhury, Dr. Soumya Ranjan Sahoo, Dr. Manas Ranjan Pattnayak
Labs
Advanced Product Development Laboratory
CAD/CAM/CAE Laboratory
Lubrication and Tribology
This area focuses on the study of friction, wear, and lubrication in mechanical systems. Research includes lubrication regimes, tribological behavior of materials, and the design and analysis of fluid-film and rolling-element bearings. These studies are essential for improving efficiency, durability, and reliability under varying operating conditions, high loads, and extreme environmental influences, of mechanical components in rotating machinery and industrial applications.
Facilities
- Hydrodynamic Lubrication Experimental Setup
- Anti-friction Bearing Test Rig Setup
Experts
Dr. Mihir Kumar Pandit, Dr. Manas Ranjan Pattnayak
Labs
Machine and Mechanism Laboratory
Metrology Laboratory
Key Features
Expertise
Solid mechanics, fracture mechanics, structural dynamics, vibration and acoustics, composite and smart structures, tribology, contact mechanics, nonlinear dynamics, rotordynamics, experimental and operational modal analysis, sensors, and energy harvesting systems.
Strength
Modeling and Experimental Analysis of lubrication Regimes, design and performance evaluation of fluid-film and rolling-element bearings. The department specializes in the predictive simulation (FEA/MBD) and physical testing (fatigue, torsion, acoustic, photo-elastic) of mechanical structures under extreme dynamic and contact loads. Expertise spans the full spectrum of composite material behavior, nonlinear vibrations, rotordynamics, and self-powered sensing systems, supported by state-of-the-art rapid prototyping and data acquisition facilities.
Software
ANSYS, MSC software suite, Fortan, Octave, Gmsh, HyperWorks, Pro-Engineering, CATIA, DELMIA, SmartTeam, MATLAB, and Tecplot are used for modelling, simulation, and product design.
Equipment & Tools
Material testing systems including hardness, torsion, and fatigue testing machines, spring testing setups, photo-elastic stress analysis system, vibration and dynamics experimental setups, acoustic measurement and sound analysis instruments, advanced data acquisition systems, and rapid prototyping facilities.
Current and Future directions
The MSD domain aims to advance research in smart materials and adaptive structures, structural health monitoring, multi-physics modelling, and sustainable mechanical system design, while strengthening collaborations with industry, national laboratories, and leading research institutions.