Research Programs
Research Interest
Dr. Ajay Kumar is a highly experienced researcher at the Advanced Materials Manufacturing and Tribology Research Laboratory in the Indian Institute of Technology Tirupati.
His research interests primarily revolve around four major areas, namely metal forming, metal joining, metal casting and processing, and tribology. With his extensive knowledge and expertise in these fields, Dr. Kumar is actively engaged in investigating various aspects of materials science and engineering to develop innovative solutions for the industrial challenges.
His research work is focused on enhancing the efficiency, durability, and sustainability of industrial processes and systems, which has significant implications for the advancement of the manufacturing industry.
- Material selection, design, processing, and mechanical behaviour of materials
- High temperature materials, Heat-resistant alloys, thermal barriers, and protective coatings, claddings
- High-performance, lightweight and high-strength alloys and metal-matrix composites
- Data-driven approaches in material innovation/design and advanced manufacturing techniques etc.
- Functionally/structurally graded materials, porous materials, high entropy alloys
- Polymer derived ceramics, shape memory materials and composites
- Sustainable production systems
- Digital materials science and digital twins from microstructure to engineering components and processes
Metal Casting & Processing
Our research on metal casting and processing aims to improve the quality and performance of metal products by developing new and efficient techniques and investigating the effect of different processing parameters on the microstructure and mechanical properties of metals.
Metal Forming
Our research on metal forming aims to enhance the efficiency and quality of metal shaping processes through the development of advanced techniques and a better understanding of fundamental mechanisms.
Metal Joining
Our research on metal joining aims to enhance the quality and durability of bonding processes by developing new techniques and optimizing welding parameters to improve the performance and reliability of final products.
Additive Manufacturing
Our research on additive manufacturing focuses on advancing the capabilities and applications of 3D printing technologies. We aim to optimize printing parameters, develop new materials for additive manufacturing, and explore novel designs to improve the efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of 3D-printed metal components.
Tribology
Our research on tribology aims to reduce friction and wear in engineering systems by developing new materials, coatings, and lubrication techniques for improved performance and longevity of mechanical components.
Material Testing
Our research on material testing aims to characterize the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of metals to ensure their suitability for specific applications. We employ various testing methods, such as tensile testing, hardness testing, impact testing, and microstructural analysis, to evaluate the performance and behavior of different materials under different conditions.