The Directorate of International Relations and Higher Studies (IR&HS) at SRM University-AP has organised Aadigyan Winter Youth Programme. The event is the varsity’s flagship initiative and is conducted to introduce International students and to familiarise them with the Indian culture, its history and lifestyle. This year the varsity hosted students and faculty from Alpine High School, Nepal. The event, which spanned over three days, saw students engage in the world of knowledge and innovation.

The induction featured Vice Chancellor, Prof. Manoj K Arora, Deans, Assistant and Associate Deans of the three schools, and Directors and other luminaries. The event highlights included insightful sessions on engineering, liberal arts, and a unique experimental workshop, “Walk with a Scientist”, that saw Prof. Jayaseelan Murugaiyan introduce the students to the vast diversity of flora and fauna on the campus.

The third day of the Aadigyan Youth Programme saw the students attend insightful sessions by luminaries such as Prof. A V S Kamesh, Professor Paari School; Mr Sidharth Shankar Tripathy, Director Entrepreneurship and Innovation; Ms Kriti Gopal Das, ISKCON and finally Ms Aditi Jain, Director-IR&HS.

The Directorate of International Relations and Higher Studies recently welcomed distinguished delegations from Japan, the Land of the Rising Sun, for a fruitful academic and cultural exchange programme, “Discover India“.

From February 21st to 24th, 2024, the university hosted Prof. Akihiro Matsumoto, Prof. Sho Yokota and Mr. Yutaka Kikuchi from Toyo University and Forum Engineering. Through interactive discussions and immersive sessions, the delegates gained valuable insights into Indian culture and traditions and promising opportunities for collaboration.

Discover India Programme is a transformative journey where innovation meets tradition. Witness the dawn of a new academic era, brimming with opportunities that promise to revolutionise our educational landscape. This enlightening gathering was more than a meeting of minds; it was a fusion of cutting-edge research and shared visions. The delegates engaged intimately with our esteemed faculty and brilliant research scholars from the Mechanical and Electrical and Electronics Engineering Departments, sparking dialogues that promise to kindle innovative research collaborations.

Their exploration of our state-of-the-art research facilities provided a window into the advanced realm of EV Research Technologies at SRM University-AP. The visit illuminated the potential for groundbreaking advancements in sustainable technology, reflecting our commitment to pioneering solutions for a greener future.

The academic engagement was beautifully complemented by industry visits to Efftronics Systems Pvt Ltd and Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Pvt Ltd, where practical insights and real-world applications bridged the gap between theoretical knowledge and industrial praxis.

Culminating the visit, our guests were immersed in the rich tapestry of Indian culture, exploring the serene Amaravati Buddha Statue, the sacred Amareswara Swami Temple, and the historic Durga Temple in Vijayawada. This cultural odyssey not only showcased the heritage of our region but also fostered a deeper mutual respect and understanding, enriching the fabric of our international collaboration.

As we reflect on these three days of intellectual exchange, cultural immersion, and visionary exploration, we are filled with hope and excitement for the future collaborations that will undoubtedly emerge from this fertile groundwork. We stand on the brink of a new dawn in global education, ready to innovate, inspire, and transform together.

The Paari School of Business has organised a transformative two-day Young Investor Education Workshop on “Financial Education for Young Citizens” for MBA students on February 26-27, 2024, led by finance expert Dr Vijaya Kumar Chilukuri from NISM. The sessions covered diverse finance intricacies and career strategies. Certificates were awarded to participants who cleared the examination, adding value to their academic journey. A Pre-assessment and post-assessment were conducted, which helped students understand their learning journey. Dr Chilukuri’s expertise and his interactive sessions left a lasting impact on all the students, and they actively participated in learning many key concepts of savings and investments. These workshops conducted by the school align with SRM AP’s commitment to holistic education and student success.

In a thought-provoking paper titled “Justice A Distant Dream for Acid Attack Survivors,” published in 360 Info, Dr Sebanti Chatterjee, Assistant Professor in the Department of Liberal Arts, delves deep into the persistent challenges faced by acid attack survivors.

Despite the existence of legal provisions aimed at addressing gender-based violence, the harrowing reality is that acid attacks continue to be a stark and under-addressed form of violence. Dr Chatterjee’s paper sheds light on this critical issue, highlighting the urgent need for greater awareness, support, and legal reform to provide justice and support for survivors.

Through her research, she underscores the importance of recognising and prioritising the plight of acid attack survivors, urging for collective action to create meaningful change. As advocates for social justice, it is imperative that we amplify their voices and work towards a future where justice is not a distant dream but a tangible reality for all survivors.

Abstract

Acid attacks can occur in private or public. These attacks are often rooted in ‘jilted lover’ syndrome or as a manifestation of continued domestic violence. Few cases offer a different narrative: one woman was attacked to teach her father a lesson about property disputes. Ultimately, the acid attack is yet another demonstration of patriarchy’s brutishness.
My (unpublished) research in 2021 with acid attack survivors (including Rima), lawyers, police and other stakeholders in West Bengal — as part of a collaboration between National Human Rights Commission and National Law School of India University, Bangalore — found that despite these various legal advances, acid attack as a form of violence is not prioritised as an issue needing immediate attention, unlike rape and child trafficking.

DOI: 10.54377/e719-077c

Link

Future Research Plan

To explore how a state cultural heritage status makes us explore the social life of an instrument- it’s secular and sacred manifestations, questions of labour, gender and the sustainability model pertinent to its musical and material interpretations.

Topic of research

Soulful beats: Ecology, Labour and Aesthetics of Ghumott

The Department of Mechanical Engineering is thrilled to announce a significant breakthrough in materials science has been achieved through the diligent research efforts of Prof. G S Vinod Kumar, Professor and Head of the Department and his Ph.D. scholar, Mr Dipak Bhosale in their latest paper, “Production, stability and properties of ultrafine MgAl2O4 (Spinel) particles stabilized Mg-3Ca alloy foams”. The study focuses on the development and detailed analysis of Mg–3Ca alloy foams, uniquely enhanced by ultrafine MgAl2O4 (spinel) particles. This innovative research outlines a novel methodology for improving the mechanical properties of magnesium foams, providing unparalleled advantages for a multitude of industrial applications.

Abstract

The present work reports the synthesis and mechanical behaviour studies of Mg–3Ca alloy foams stabilized by ultrafine MgAl 2 O 4 (spinel) particles. The MgAl 2 O 4 particles were created in-situ in the Mg–3Ca alloy melt through the reaction of Mg, Al and O. Foaming was done by adding dolomite (CaMg(CO 3 ) 2 ) as a blowing agent in the melt. The foaming behaviour was studied for different MgAl 2 O 4 content in Mg–3Ca and holding times (10 and 15 min). The study reveals that the presence of MgAl 2 O 4 significantly influences the foaming behaviour of Mg–3Ca alloy resulting in equiaxed cell structure, uniform cell size distribution, and higher expansion in comparison to the Mg–3Ca alloy foam, which contains only MgO and CaO. An in-depth phase and microstructural analysis were performed to investigate the particles present in the gas-solid interface of the foam that contribute to foam stabilization. The quasi-static compression studies of foams exhibited better compressive strength (≈3–11 MPa) and energy absorption capacity (≈1.3–5.7 MJ/m3) in comparison to the Mg foams reported in the literature. The ductility of the Mg foams was also measured and compared with that of existing aluminium foams.

Research Highlights:-

• Innovative Synthesis: The MgAl2O4 particles are synthesized in situ within the Mg–3Ca alloy melt via a controlled reaction involving Mg, Al, and O. This process ensures the uniform dispersion of spinel particles, which is critical for the foam’s structural integrity and performance.
• Foaming Process: By employing dolomite (CaMg(CO3)2) as a blowing agent, the research team meticulously explored the foaming behaviour under various MgAl2O4 contents and holding times (10 and 15 min). The findings highlight a marked improvement in foam expansion and stability.
• Structural and Mechanical Analysis: Through comprehensive phase and microstructural analyses, the pivotal role of MgAl2O4 particles at the gas-solid interface in stabilizing the foam structure was uncovered. Quasi-static compression tests revealed outstanding compressive strength (≈3–11 MPa) and energy absorption capacity (≈1.3–5.7 MJ/m3), surpassing existing benchmarks for magnesium foams.

Key Properties and Applications:-

• Low Density & High Strength-to-Weight Ratio: The Mg–3Ca alloy foams showcase an optimal balance of low density and high mechanical strength, rendering them ideal for lightweight structural applications.
• Enhanced Energy Absorption: Their unique cellular structure provides superior energy absorption capabilities, suitable for impact and crash-resistant applications.
• Biocompatibility: Owing to magnesium’s biocompatibility, these foams are highly promising for biomedical applications, including bone implants and scaffolds for tissue engineering.
• Thermal Conductivity & Corrosion Resistance: Additionally, these foams exhibit advantageous thermal and corrosion-resistant properties, broadening their applicability across various environmental conditions.

Transformative Impact Across Industries:-

• Aerospace and Automotive: The significant weight reduction capabilities, coupled with uncompromised strength, position the Mg–3Ca alloy foams as revolutionary materials for component design in the aerospace and automotive sectors.
• Biomedical: Their biocompatible nature and structural characteristics make these foams an excellent option for medical implants and scaffolds, poised to improve patient outcomes in orthopaedics and tissue engineering significantly.
• Energy and Beyond: From thermal management solutions in renewable energy systems to applications in sports equipment, the potential uses for these magnesium foams are extensive and diverse, heralding a new chapter in material science.

This groundbreaking research not only advances the field of magnesium foam technology but also paves the way for new possibilities in lightweight, high-performance materials across various industries. The team is dedicated to further exploring the capabilities of these innovative materials and eagerly anticipates partnering with industry stakeholders to transition these advancements from the laboratory to commercial applications.