Structures, Structural Dynamics and Aeroelasticity

The structural research group at IIT Kharagpur explores a diverse range of topics with a variety of approaches. Specific areas of research in the broad area of applied and computational mechanics include composite and smart structures, nano-structures, fracture mechanics, isogeometric analysis (IGA), fluid-structure interaction, Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV), Micro Air Vehicle (MAV), uncertainty quantification, guided wave propagation. The group has also worked on developing stochastic and deterministic mathematical models coupled with optimization techniques for variety of aerospace structures. The models have been extensively used for static, dynamic, and stability analysis of composite and sandwich structures. Considerable research efforts are directed in the area of structural health monitoring using linear and non-linear guided wave, electro-mechanical impedance, and other techniques.

The department also houses a state-of- art structures laboratory for curricular and research activities. The laboratory is equipped with all the essential testing facility in addition of specialized experimental facilities. The curricular and testing equipment includes an INSTRON universal testing machine, a vibration shake table, a photoelastic bench, torsion testing machine, hardness tester and impact test set-up. Additionally, there are several experimental set-up developed in-house for the undergraduate and post-graduate experimental courses, namely, set-up to determine the shear center and principle axes of beams, vibration fundamental trainer, ring bending set-up, column buckling experimental set-up and others. A structural health monitoring experimental facility has also been developed for generation and sensing of guided wave propagation, electrical impedance measurement. The laboratory also provides excellent facility for performing experimental vibration analysis.