Global Immersion Programme is a unique abroad learning programme instituted at SRM University-AP, enabling students to acquire an all-encompassing learning exposure at an international university. The programme intends to acquaint students with varied approaches of learning while gaining exposure to a foreign cultural, political, and social milieu.

The Directorate of International Relations and Higher Studies is organising a webinar on the topic Advantages of Global Immersion Programmes in Malaysia to give students a brief overview of the Global Immersion Programmes in Malaysia and the benefits of undertaking them. Dr Geevaneswary Saththasivam, Director of Business Development, AIMST University, will be the keynote speaker for the event.

Date: October 10, 2022

Time: 4.00 pm to 5.00 pm

Speaker’s Profile

Dr Geevaneswary Saththasivam was the former lecturer and programme coordinator for UG and PG programmes from the faculty of Business and Management. Prior to that, she has 15 years of industry experience in the fields of Supply Chain Management and Shop Floor Management systems and 4 years of experience working in the field of Project Management in multinational corporations.

Join the webinar to know the prospects of doing global immersion programmes in Malaysia.

Closed-cell metal foams are crucial to heavy industry machinery as they primarily function as impact-absorbing materials. Stabilizing closed-cell metal foams is a pivotal element in the process of manufacturing closed-cell metal foams. On this note, Prof GS Vinod Kumar from The Department of Mechanical Engineering has published a paper entitled Production, stability, and properties of in-situ Al–5ZrB2 composite foams in the journal Materials Science and Engineering: A with an impact factor of 6.044.

Abstract

Stabilization is an essential requirement to produce closed-cell metal foams. In the melt route of foaming, usually ceramic particles are used as foam stabilizers. For the first time, the present study introduces ZrB2 particles as foam stabilizers. We demonstrate the foaming of in-situ based Al composite containing submicron ZrB2 particles. The effect of foaming temperature and holding time on the structural and mechanical properties of the foams was studied. The composites and foams were characterized using XRD, SEM/EDS, and optical scanning techniques. The mechanical properties of the foams were determined by subjecting the foams to a quasi-static compression test. Submicron ZrB2 particles present in the cell wall and at the gas-solid interface promoted foam stability. All the foams exhibited a good cellular structure with high expansion. Among the foams, the foams prepared at 680 ºC with a holding time of 120 s exhibited the smallest cell size and the best mechanical properties. The structural and mechanical properties of the Al–5ZrB2 foams were found to be comparable to conventional foams.

Novel in-situ ZrB2 particles were produced to form Al-5ZrB2 composites. ZrB2 particles present in the melt tend to stabilize the H2 gas bubbles produced from the decomposition of TiH2. The macrostructure was best observed when foamed at 680 ºC and held for 120 sec. Because of its finer pores ( ̴ 3mm ), excellent compressive strength and energy absorption capacity was exhibited comparable to conventional Al foams.

The paper observes a wide-range of possibilities for the application of in-situ Al–5ZrB2 composite foams to modify bullet proof vests, car body parts, sound and heat proof walls in theatres, naval ship bodies, etc.

Prof Vinod Kumar also discusses the future application of this technique in use of metallic powders as blending agent for effective dispersion of blowing agent in the melt and in the field of compressive and energy absorption studies for Al composite foams.

SRM University- AP inaugurated Elon Fellowship on September 30, 2022. It is a novel cohort that aspires to create a startup ecosystem. The Fellowship launched will onboard 60+ venture teams and provide extensive training for four months to facilitate the development of their idea to the prototype stage and beyond. Selected venture groups would receive internal funding up to INR 50 lakhs and external funding upto INR 1 crore for their project development.

The Elon Fellowship poster was launched by the Vice Chancellor of SRM University- AP, Prof Manoj K Arora; Registrar, Dr R Premkumar; and other dignitaries. “The Fellowship opens up new avenues in the domain of entrepreneurship and innovation. It provides students with a well-funded scheme that facilitates fruitful development of their creative ventures”, asserted Prof Arora.

Mr Udayan Bakshi, the Associate Director of Entrepreneurship, SRM AP commented that more than seven portfolio startups of the university have crossed a total revenue of 25 crores annually, making our institution a formidable pioneer in the field of entrepreneurship.

The Andhra Pradesh Innovation Society, Government of Andhra Pradesh, congratulated this innovative scheme. Mr Anil T, the CEO of APIS, extended his support in furthering the cause in promoting young entrepreneurs. The Elon Fellowship grants students a supportive cohort for their journey to entrepreneurship.