Advanced Computational and Smart Materials Research (ACSMR) Group

Our ACSMR lab is equipped with .....

Research at ACSMR group

In our research group, we are using both experimental and computational approaches for understanding fundamental as well as application-based problems.

1. Computational research 

We are using a kinetic-theory-based mesoscopic simulation approach for understanding fluid flow, heat, and mass transfer phenomena. Recently, we are using LBM for the simulation of double-diffusive convection (DDC).   In the DDC, the fluid convection currents are generated due to the density variation developed by the temperature and concentration gradients. The application range of DDC can easily be spotted in several fields encompassing from geology to oceanography over astrophysics to metallurgy (Kumar and Gangawane, physics of fluids, https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0080434 )

Our objective is to study the influence of the external magnetic field on flow transport and heat-mass transfer in different systems. Moreover, we are also investigating the complex interaction between the convection and magnetohydrodynamic parameters with the electrical conducting fluids. We are aiming to find optimized parameters for heat and mass transfer enhancement as well as deterioration. 

Research Topics

• CFD analysis of non-Newtonian fluid flows

• Entropy generation study

• Effect of bluff bodies on flow hydrodynamics

• Magnetohydrodynamics 

2. Experimental research 

•   Development of Iron oxide magnetic particles

In recent years, ferrimagnetic nanoparticles (FMNPs) have witnessed extensive nanoscience growth due to their unique magnetic properties of nanoparticles (Fe3O4, Fe2O3) and synthesis methods. The extraordinary characteristics made it suitable for various applications, such as environmental remediation, hyperthermia, drug carriers, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agents [8,9], bioseparation, catalytic applications, water treatment, biosensors, enhanced oil recovery, etc. (Kumar and Gangawane, Powder Technology https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2022.117867). In this research, we are exploring the influence of various synthesis methods on the structural and magnetic properties of FMNPs. From our research, we concluded that the co-precipitation method takes the least time for the synthesis of nanoparticles. 

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•   Superhydrophobic Aerogels from waste materials

Aerogel technology provides a new state of high-performance, lightweight materials with numerous textural properties, such as a high specific surface area with open porosity. Silica aerogels synthesized through supercritical drying are often brittle in nature but lower in thermal conductivity with high surface area and pore volume. In the future Hybrid aerogels shall be developed for various energy and environmental applications (Panda and Gangawane, Journal of Material Science, J Mater Sci (2022) 57:13385–13402).

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•   Novel Phase change materials for Thermal Energy Storage

The rapid population growth, increasing living human standards, and modern industrialization are subject to an increase in the need for energy to a considerable extent. Non-renewable energy resources are depleting in ascending order with increasing energy generation cost per kWh. On the other hand, renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, tidal, biomass, and biofuels are abundant. These sources can fulfil the world's enormous energy demand at a low cost of production without harming the environment. In this context, solar energy is considered a prominent renewable source of energy with higher availability and natural resources, with time-dependent limitations. It must be conserved for efficient energy utilization from peak hours and to reduce output fluctuations. Thermal energy storage (TES) is one of the efficient ways to store thermal energy economically and efficiently, to store solar energy during the day and utilize it at night. Conversely, TES with phase change material (PCM) as an efficient energy-storing material with more comprehensive applications in HVAC systems, photovoltaics, solar stills, solar collectors, thermo-regulating textiles and building heat recovery (Panda and Gangawane https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2022.117867).