Abhishek Kumar - Projects

Graduate Student Researcher

University of California Merced, Merced, USA

Jan 2021 - Present

Tribological characterization and lubrication regime analysis of electric motor greases

Chevron Corporation

This study involved tribological characterization of Electric Motor (EM) greases using four-ball and ball-on-disk tests with materials and conditions modified to better reflect current and emerging applications, including electric vehicles. Wear between the tribopair was quantified using optical microscope and interferometer. The friction traces, wear response, and estimated film thickness were analyzed to enable comparison of the tribological properties of these greases specifically for EM applications.

Tribological performance analysis of aerospace greases

SpaceX

This study involved tribological characterization of aerospace greases using four-ball and ball-on-disk tests with the conditions modified to reflect the aerospace applications such as bearings in the space craft propellers. The wear quantification of the tribopairs was carried out using optical microscope and interferometer. This project enabled comparison of various greases for aerospace applications.

Characterization of external filter cakes for drilling application

Chevron-Phillips

This study dealt with the surface characterization of external filter cakes that were based on Soltex, Gilsonite, Drill-sure, and Base mud using optical microscope and interferometer. The results were used to estimate the surface features such as roughness, skewness, and kurtosis. This is an ongoing project and the next step is observing the moisture absorption behavior of filter cakes, and their underlying reactions with moisture to improve drilling efficiency.

Dynamic friction analysis of concentric tubes mimicking nuclear blasts

Lawrence Livermore National Lab

This study involved the dynamic friction analysis of concentric tubes mimicking nuclear blasts using pin-on-flat tests with conformal contact to understand the behavior of materials under extreme conditions that would help to predict the interaction behavior of materials with radiation. The wear scars were investigated using optical microscope. This study helped to examine the feasibility of using epoxy as a binder between the concentric tubes to perform non-nuclear blasts under extreme conditions.

Tactile perception of vellum quantified by friction and surface roughness

CSU Chico & ISU Normal

This study focused on quantifying the tactile experience of interacting with vellum as reciprocating sliding friction. Friction was measured on 14 vellum samples from different animal sources and preparation methods on the hair and flesh sides of the page. Results were correlated to the sensory perception of an untrained panel and explained in terms of statistical surface roughness parameters. The results provided an understanding about the tactile experience of interacting with medieval vellum such that the experience might be approximated by scholars today.

Surface characterization and mechanical testing of jackfruit leather

This study involved the surface characterization, tribological performance analysis and mechanical testing of jackfruit samples to investigate its suitability as an alternative to leather. The tactile experience of interacting with jackfruit leather was mimicked using reciprocating sliding friction. Tensile tests were conducted to determine the stress-strain response, and various mechanical properties such as strength and toughness. This project helped to compare the tactile and mechanical performance of jackfruit leather to examine it as an alternative to animal leather.

Automobile brake friction analysis using tribometer and particle quantification

Prof. P. O’Day, UC Merced

This study dealt with the tribological characterization of automobile brake pads using unidirectional sliding in pin-on-disk tests. The particles generated in the tests were quantified for their size distribution, mosrphology, Cu chemical speciation and the oxides formed for different braking conditions mimicking the automobile operation inside city and on freeway. This study enabled to compare the brake performance under vehicle operating conditions to improve braking efficiency.

Visiting Researcher

Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, India

Jun - Jul 2018

Quantification of Fretting Wear Behavior of AZ80 Magnesium Alloy

This study dealt with the microstructural evolution of AZ80 under different aging conditions, and their tribological characterization using fretting wear tests. Scanning electron microscope was used to characterize the wear scars and the underlying wear mechanisms corresponding to each test condition. The wear volume and wear rate were analyzed using DEKTAK profilometry. Hysteresis loop and friction log was analyzed for different conditions that indicated the dominance of gross slip regime along with active sticking under fretting wear.

Graduate Student Researcher

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, India

Jun 2015 - Jun 2016

Study of Wear Mechanisms in Magnesium Based Composites using Nano-Scratch Test

NUS Singapore

In this study, pure Mg its rare-earth based nano-composites were analyzed for wear resistance using Universal Nano-mechanical Tester to compare their performance as a biomedical implant. Microstructural characterization was performed using optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. Micro-hardness test was done to determine the hardness of each sample. Nano-scratches were done at loads varying from 100mN to 500mN, and the wear was quantified using scanning electron microscope and optical profiler. Continuous coincident nano-scratches were performed to observe the wear resistance characteristics and its dependence on the work-hardness. This study enabled a tribological comparison of magnesium based composites to examine their applicability as a biomedical implant.

Modelling, simulation, and fabrication of scrap-compactor

This study involved saving the time for compaction dust, recycling and to keep the earth green by 3D modeling a manually driven light weight plastic waste compactor in SolidWorks and simulating it in ANSYS for design optimization to turn public space clean and eco-friendly. The compacter was fabricated, and its performance was examined by comparing the degree of scrap compaction it achieved. This study helped to deal with the problem of scrap by reducing the size of trash.

Modelling and simulation of portable bicycle

This study involved the modeling, simulation and design optimization of portable bicycle by using SolidWorks and ANSYS. It helped to propose a commercial design for portable bicycle which could be used to save parking space.

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse