Welcome to the Research Group of Dr. Ravi. Our group focuses on three primary research areas: Additive Manufacturing, Computational Thermodynamics and Data-Driven Alloy Design, and Functional Self-cleaning Coatings. Our research combines advanced manufacturing, computational materials engineering, in-situ sensing, artificial intelligence, and surface engineering to develop innovative solutions for industrial, biomedical, energy, and space applications.
Dr. Ravi's group has consistently remained at the forefront of pioneering technological advancements in these domains:
Additive Manufacturing: We have developed an indigenous Direct Energy Deposition (DED)-based metal additive manufacturing platform for component fabrication and repair. Our current research focuses on transforming conventional metal 3D printers into smart and intelligent AM systems through real-time monitoring and closed-loop control. We integrate Optical Emission Spectroscopy (OES), infrared thermography, pyrometry, high-speed imaging, acoustic emission, and machine learning for real-time monitoring of melt-pool behavior, plasma plume, spatter, deposition regimes, and defect-prone conditions. Recent research has demonstrated real-time identification of clad morphology and deposition regimes in SS316L DED using OES, with ongoing work toward material-independent monitoring, crack detection, and closed-loop process control.
Computational Thermodynamic Modeling (CALPHAD Approach): Our group utilizes the CALPHAD approach for computational alloy design, particularly for developing novel Al- and Mg-based alloys with improved processing and performance. We further integrate CALPHAD, experimental metallurgy, data science, and additive manufacturing to establish process–structure–property relationships and accelerate the development of advanced alloys and smart metal AM systems.
Self-cleaning Coatings: Our research focuses on superhydrophobic, self-cleaning, anti-fouling, and anti-fogging coatings for energy, biomedical, optical, aerospace, and engineering applications. We have developed transparent and durable coatings for solar panels and biomedical/optical surfaces, as well as high-temperature-stable superhydrophobic HVOF coatings. Our recent work includes self-cleaning and dust-repellent coatings for Moon and Mars optical surfaces, supported through an ISRO RESPOND project, along with advanced transparent anti-fogging coatings and durable functional surfaces for demanding environments.
