Srinagar, Oct| 03: The Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, in association with Dhaatu Mitra–The Metallurgy Club, organised an expert talk on “Advanced Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites for Structural Applications.”
The session was delivered by Dr. R. T. Durai Prabhakaran, Professor and Dean (Research & Consultancy), IIT Jammu, who has dual affiliation with the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Materials & Metallurgical Engineering.
The programme was held under the patronage of NIT Srinagar Director Prof. Anurag Mishra. Dr. Srinibash Mishra, Head, Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, served as Convener, while Dr. Anshul Gupta and Dr. Nitika Kundan were the Coordinators.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Anurag Mishra, Director, NIT Srinagar, said expert talks of this nature provide our students and faculty members with valuable exposure to emerging research, technologies and contemporary developments in their respective fields.
“Such interactions facilitate knowledge exchange while creating opportunities for academic and research collaborations with leading institutions and experts. NIT Srinagar will continue to promote such programmes to strengthen academic engagement and broaden research opportunities for its students and faculty,” he added.
In his key address, Dr. Prabhakaran discussed FRP composites, their material systems, manufacturing techniques, mechanical performance and structural applications.
He highlighted their high strength-to-weight ratio, design flexibility and corrosion resistance, besides their growing use in civil, mechanical and aerospace structures.
The expert also discussed thermoplastic polymers, steel fabrics, hybrid composites and challenges associated with steel fibres. A practical demonstration on compression testing of steel-fibre/polyester composite samples provided students with exposure to laboratory-based mechanical evaluation.
The session further covered reuse of discarded glass fibres, fibre–polyester resin interfacial properties, FRCM composites and structural health monitoring. Dr. Prabhakaran also highlighted research initiatives on lightweight below-knee prosthetics, structural power composites and other advanced materials in collaboration with institutions including IIT Kanpur, AIIMS Rishikesh, IIT Jammu, the Biocomposites Centre, UK, and RISEO Laboratory.
An interactive discussion involving Dr. Anshul Gupta, Dr. Prvan Katiyar, Dr. Nitika Kundan, Dr. Yashwant Mehta, Dean P&D, faculty members and students focused on contemporary developments and challenges in composite materials.
The programme also featured a question-and-answer session on fibre identification techniques and instruments used in composite materials and mechanics laboratories.
The valedictory address was delivered by Tabish, followed by refreshments. Dr. Anshul Gupta and Dr. Mushtaq Ahmed Rather, Department of Chemical Engineering, presented a bouquet and memento to the guest speaker.
The event was organised by Dhaatu Mitra–The Metallurgy Club, with Aman, President, and Disha, Vice-President, along with the club’s executive team and members.
