Research

Research Interests:

CAD/CAE, Additive Manufacturing/3D Printing, Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM), Topology Optimization, Lattice Structures, AR/VR in Design & Manufacturing

Current Area of Research: 

Design, 3D Printing, and Testing of light weighted structures

Research Tools: 

Origin, Minitab, Mendeley, Canva, MS Office

Research Experience: 

• Completed PhD on Microstructural and Mechanical Characterization of 17-4 PH Stainless Steel Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion and its Applications in Lightweight Structural Designs at the National Institute of Technology, Warangal (NITW). 

• Performed process parameter optimization using Design of Experiments (DoE) methodology for laser-powder bed fusion and Material extrusion AM processes to enhance part quality and mechanical performance.

• Investigated the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties, focusing on metal and polymer-based AM materials.

• Explored lightweight design applications using topology optimization and lattice structures, contributing to advancements in 3D Printing.

• Hands-on experience in operating FDM, SLA and SLM 3D printing machines.

• Coordinated & participated in various workshops at NIT Warangal.

• Trained, assisted, & collaborated with cross-functional team members in various product development and prototyping projects.

• Developed and prepared detailed manuals and documentation to support internal processes and provide effective user training.

• Developed augmented reality mobile applications focused on design, manufacturing, education, and business/marketing.

Publications: 

[1] Asapu, S., Y, R., Gupta, A. et al. Microstructural and Mechanical Characterization of Selective Laser Melted 17-4 PH Stainless Steel: Effect of Laser Scan Strategy and Heat Treatment. J. of Materi Eng and Perform 34, 4750–4764 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-024-09470-y  (SCI, Q3, IF: 2.0)

[2] Asapu, S., Y, R. Effect of Heat Treatment on Mechanical Properties of 17-4 PH Stainless Steel Gyroid Lattice Structures Manufactured by Selective Laser Melting and a Study on Weight Reduction Methods. JOM 76, 6692–6708 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-024-06821-x  (SCI, Q2, IF: 2.3)

[3] Asapu, S., Ravi Kumar, Y. Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM): A Comprehensive Review with Case Study Insights. JOM 77, 3931–3951 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-025-07164-x (SCI, Q2, IF: 2.3)

[4]  Sreekanth A, Y RK. Compression behaviour of TPU printed 2D lattice structures using fused filament fabrication: Characterization and applications. Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, Part L: Journal of Materials: Design and Applications. 2025;0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/14644207251345055  (SCI, Q3, IF: 2.2)

Peer Review Contributions

As part of ongoing contributions to the academic community, I have served as a peer reviewer for the following journals:

• Progress in Additive Manufacturing – 2 manuscripts reviewed

• Integrating Materials and Manufacturing Innovation – 3 manuscripts reviewed

• Journal of Materials Science – 4 manuscripts reviewed

• International Journal on Interactive Design and Manufacturing (IJIDeM) – 2 manuscripts reviewed

• Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering – 1 manuscript reviewed

• Metals and Materials International – 1 manuscript reviewed ternationa