Objectives

To develop the tools necessary for modeling and simulation of the materials behavior and properties

To validate the tools by application to properties and systems amenable to experimental verification

To illustrate the strategies and techniques in using these modeling  tools by applying them to relevant industrial problems

Major Achievements

Bilateral research program between National Metallurgical Laboratory and Imperial College (UK) entitled “Physically Based Constitutive Equations for Design and Life Prediction at Elevated Temperature - Modeling and Validation”,  funded by Engineering and Physical Science Research Council, was successfully executed. This work focused on integrating the current understanding of material anisotropy with finite element analysis through a synergy between the activities of the Indo-British groups facilitating dissemination of knowledge to Indian and UK industries.

Material models developed  to characterize the time evolution of creep strain in collaboration with the experimental group of Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad.

Creep modeling and remaining life estimation softwares developed and  transferred to the industry(BHEL): (i) RELIEF – A software for Remaining Life Estimation Framework for Boiler components, (ii) CLIPWIN – A menu driven software for creep life prediction

Computation of the Fractal Dimensions from microstructural images of materials has been carried out through advanced signal processing techniques such as Wavelet analysis and Power Spectral Density analysis. A bilateral collaborative project with Czech republic in fractal applications to materials behavior is under progress

Coupled modeling of deformation, heat transfer and phase transformation have been carried for simulation of hot forging, rolling  and heat treatment operations. Soft computing models using Artificial Neural Network, Fuzzy logic in conjunction with  micro- scale modeling for prediction of mechanical properties and  microstucture evolution have been developed and validated with operating data  

Major Facilities

Finite Element Based General purpose code for modeling materials  behaviour [ABAQUS, ANSYS]; Finite element code for modeling heat treatment,  deformation and forming operations  [DEFORM-3D & DEFORM-HT];   Computational Fluid dynamic code [FLUENT];  Discrete Element code for modeling granular mechanics of materials [E-DEM]