DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Indian Institute Of Technology Madras

| Dynamics, Acoustics and Controls (DAC)

Chair: Prof. Sujatha C
Co-Chair: Prof. Abhijit Sarkar

Research Mission

To develop system-level noise and vibration solutions based on fundamental and applied research, which will lead to minimal environmental impact.

Overview

Many engineering applications require a systems approach to design. For example, in automotive systems, the reduction of noise and vibration is achieved through the combined efforts of modelling of dynamical systems, predicting noise emissions together with designing control systems.

This group endeavors to tackle issues associated with the system as a whole. The typical focus areas include, but not restricted to

  • Design and analysis of mechanisms
  • Vehicle dynamics
  • Rotor dynamics
  • Nonlinear dynamics and chaos
  • Structural health monitoring and prognosis
  • Experimental and analytical vibro-acoustics and aero-acoustics
  • Design of active and passive noise and vibration mitigation systems
  • Machine-Human interface models
  • Design and development of controllers for precision systems

Laboratories Involved

  • MDS – Machine Design Section
  • MES – Manufacturing Engineering Section

Research Snippets

  • Design and fabrication of self-operated standing wheel chair: Dynamical modelling and principles of mechanism design is used to develop novel standing wheel chair, which helps the disabled person to stand-up with minimal effort.
  • Dynamics of rotor-stator rub interactions in aero-engines: Such models are developed to reduce the complexity of deformable, system-level models to enable fast calculations of dynamic loads
  • Detection of faults in rotors using model and signal based methods: Both mode shapes and vibration signals are used to detect faults
  • Design of mufflers and acoustic treatments based on dual–porous materials
  • Design and testing of chevron nozzles: Both experimental measurement and numerical prediction of noise from high subsonic Mach number jets (cold and hot) are being carried out. Mitigation of the noise using trailing edge modifications (chevrons) has been predicted and demonstrated experimentally by fabricating and testing nozzles with chevrons
  • Testing of fan blades with serrated trailing edges: Experimental investigations are being carried out to find the influence of fan blade trailing edge modifications on the noise source levels and the penalty they impose on the aerodynamic performance of the fan.
  • Active vibration control of underwater structures
  • Military tank – Human vibration models: By using dynamic models of human spine and military tank, vibrations transmitted to the spine is reduced by properly suspending the seat
  • Kinematic and dynamic analysis, and control of robotic systems: Involves trajectory planning, leader-follower synchronization methods and obstacle avoidance
  • Fluid power control: Design and development of electro-hydraulic servo valves to control precision actuators