ME Department in Collaboration with CE Department Organizes Five-Day FDP on Advanced Materials for Engineering Applications

Mr Shankar R (Asst Prof, ME Dept) introduced the chief guest. Dr Praveen K M (Associate Professor, Chinmaya Vishwa Vidyapeeth, Ernakulam) formally inaugurated the program, setting the stage for
three days of insightful discussions and knowledge exchange. Felicitations were extended by Mr Suresh Lal (Executive Director,VICT) and Dr Sudha Balagopalan (Dean-Academics) acknowledging the
significance of the initiative in promoting interdisciplinary collaboration.

The FDP was designed to provide participants with comprehensive knowledge of advanced engineering materials, including engineered composites, Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composites,
smart materials, photoelasticity techniques, structural health monitoring, and sustainable construction materials. A total of 30 faculty members actively participated in the programme. The inaugural session marked the commencement of the FDP, followed by a series of expert lectures delivered by eminent academicians and researchers from reputed institutions.
Day 1 – Engineered Composite Materials (18 March 2024)
The first day focused on Engineered Composite Materials for High-Performance Applications. Dr. Praveen K. M., Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Chinmaya Vishwa
Vidyapeeth, introduced participants to the fundamentals of engineered composites, discussing their fabrication techniques, mechanical properties, and diverse industrial applications. The sessions highlighted how composite materials offer superior strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance, and durability compared to conventional materials.
Day 2 – FRP Composites and Photoelasticity (19 March 2024)
The second day’s sessions explored Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) Composites and their applications in structural strengthening and rehabilitation. Dr. Sooraj K. Prabha, Professor,
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vidya Academy of Science & Technology, explained the significance of FRP materials in infrastructure and mechanical systems through practical examples. The afternoon session was led by Mr. Shins K., Former Assistant Professor and Project Associate, Vidya Academy of Science & Technology, who introduced participants to Photo elasticity
Techniques for stress analysis. Through demonstrations and practical illustrations, participants gained valuable insights into experimental stress visualization methods used in engineering education and research.
Day 3 – Advanced Materials Concepts (20 March 2024)
The third day featured sessions by Dr. N. Ramachandran, Professor & Head (Retd.), Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Institute of Technology Calicut and Vidya Academy of Science & Technology. The lectures covered emerging trends in advanced materials, including nanomaterials, hybrid composites, and high-performance alloys. Participants also learned about material selection strategies, performance evaluation techniques, and the expanding role of advanced materials across aerospace, automotive, and civil engineering sectors.
Day 4 – Sustainable Construction and Smart Materials (21 March 2024)
The fourth day focused on sustainable construction technologies and smart infrastructure materials. Dr. Justine Jose, Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Vidya Academy of Science &
Technology, discussed innovative construction materials such as green concrete, recycled materials, and environmentally sustainable alternatives that support resilient infrastructure development.

The subsequent session by Ms. Chithra M., Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Vidya Academy of Science & Technology, introduced participants to Smart Materials and Structural
Health Monitoring Systems, covering shape memory alloys, embedded sensors, and intelligent monitoring techniques used in modern infrastructure management.
Day 5 – Fiber Reinforced Composites and Valedictory Session (22 March 2024)
The final day featured an expert session by Dr. Anjali P. Sasidharan, Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Vidya Academy of Science & Technology, on Fiber Reinforced Composites for Structural Strengthening and Rehabilitation. The session included real-life case studies demonstrating the use of FRP systems in retrofitting damaged structures and enhancing structural performance. The programme concluded with a Valedictory Session, during which the key outcomes of the FDP were summarized. Dr Abhilasha P S , Professor & Head of CE department delivered Vote of thanks.