Venkatachalam Gopalan

Bio: Venkatachalam Gopalan is an academic researcher from VIT University. The author has contributed to research in topics: Epoxy & Composite number. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 14 publications receiving 33 citations.

Elastic constants of tapered laminated woven jute/epoxy and woven aloe/epoxy composites under the influence of porosity:

Abstract: Anisotropic nature of plant fiber and various plant fiber-correlated porosities are the major setbacks in evaluating the elastic constants of plant fiber-reinforced polymer composites theoretically

Dynamic Characteristics of Woven Flax/Epoxy Laminated Composite Plate.

Abstract: Due to the growing environmental awareness, the development of sustainable green composites is in high demand in composite industries, mainly in the automotive, aircraft, construction and marine applications. This work was an attempt to experimentally and numerically investigate the dynamic characteristics of Woven Flax/Bio epoxy laminated composite plates. In addition, the optimisation study on the dynamic behaviours of the Woven Flax/Bio epoxy composite plate is carried out using the response surface methodology (RSM) by consideration of the various parameters like ply orientation, boundary condition and aspect ratio. The elastic constants of the Woven Flax/Bio epoxy composite lamina needed for the numerical simulation are determined experimentally using two methods, i.e., the usual mechanical tests as well as through the impulse excitation of vibration-based approach and made a comparison between them. The numerical analysis on the free vibration characteristics of the composite was carried out using ANSYS, a finite element analysis (FEA) software. The confirmation of the FE model was accomplished by comparing the numerical results with its experimental counterpart. Finally, a comparison was made between the results obtained through the regression equation and finite element analysis.

Effect of Rare Earth Metals (Y, La) and Refractory Metals (Mo, Ta, Re) to Improve the Mechanical Properties of W–Ni–Fe Alloy—A Review

Abstract: Tungsten heavy alloys are two-phase metal matrix composites that include W–Ni–Fe and W–Ni–Cu The significant feature of these alloys is their ability to acquire both strength and ductility In order to improve the mechanical properties of the basic alloy and to limit or avoid the need for post-processing techniques, other elements are doped with the alloy and performance studies are carried out This work focuses on the developments through the years in improving the performance of the classical tungsten heavy alloy of W–Ni–Fe through doping of other elements The influence of the percentage addition of rare earth elements of yttrium, lanthanum, and their oxides and refractory metals such as rhenium, tantalum, and molybdenum on the mechanical properties of the heavy alloy is critically analyzed Based on the microstructural and property evaluation, the effects of adding the elements at various proportions are discussed The addition of molybdenum and rhenium to the heavy alloy gives good strength and ductility The oxides of yttrium, when added in a small quantity, help to reduce the tungsten’s grain size and obtain good tensile and compressive strengths at high temperatures

Experimental and Numerical Analyses on the Buckling Characteristics of Woven Flax/Epoxy Laminated Composite Plate under Axial Compression

Abstract: The evolution of a sustainable green composite in various loadbearing structural applications tends to reduce pollution, which in turn enhances environmental sustainability. This work is an attempt to promote a sustainable green composite in buckling loadbearing structural applications. In order to use the green composite in various structural applications, the knowledge on its structural stability is a must. As the structural instability leads to the buckling of the composite structure when it is under an axial compressive load, the work on its buckling characteristics is important. In this work, the buckling characteristics of a woven flax/bio epoxy (WFBE) laminated composite plate are investigated experimentally and numerically when subjected to an axial compressive load. In order to accomplish the optimization study on the buckling characteristics of the composite plate among various structural criterions such as number of layers, the width of the plate and the ply orientation, the optimization tool “response surface methodology” (RSM) is used in this work. The validation of the developed finite element model in Analysis System (ANSYS) version 16 is carried out by comparing the critical buckling loads obtained from the experimental test and numerical simulation for three out of twenty samples. A comparison is then made between the numerical results obtained through ANSYS16 and the results generated using the regression equation. It is concluded that the buckling strength of the composite escalates with the number of layers, the change in width and the ply orientation. It is also noted that the weaving model of the fabric powers the buckling behavior of the composite. This work explores the feasibility of the use of the developed green composite in various buckling loadbearing structural applications. Due to the compromised buckling characteristics of the green composite with the synthetic composite, it has the capability of replacing many synthetic composites, which in turn enhances the sustainability of the environment.

A state-of-the-art review on coir fiber-reinforced biocomposites

Abstract: The coconut (Cocos nucifera) fruits are extensively grown in tropical countries. The use of coconut husk-derived coir fiber-reinforced biocomposites is on the rise nowadays due to the constantly increasing demand for sustainable, renewable, biodegradable, and recyclable materials. Generally, the coconut husk and shells are disposed of as waste materials; however, they can be utilized as prominent raw materials for environment-friendly biocomposite production. Coir fibers are strong and stiff, which are prerequisites for coir fiber-reinforced biocomposite materials. However, as a bio-based material, the produced biocomposites have various performance characteristics because of the inhomogeneous coir material characteristics. Coir materials are reinforced with different thermoplastic, thermosetting, and cement-based materials to produce biocomposites. Coir fiber-reinforced composites provide superior mechanical, thermal, and physical properties, which make them outstanding materials as compared to synthetic fiber-reinforced composites. However, the mechanical performances of coconut fiber-reinforced composites could be enhanced by pretreating the surfaces of coir fiber. This review provides an overview of coir fiber and the associated composites along with their feasible fabrication methods and surface treatments in terms of their morphological, thermal, mechanical, and physical properties. Furthermore, this study facilitates the industrial production of coir fiber-reinforced biocomposites through the efficient utilization of coir husk-generated fibers.

Review on nitride compounds and its polymer composites: a multifunctional material

Abstract: The purpose of this review article is to summarize previous research works done on polymer composites filled with various types of nitride compounds for potential applications, specially for electronic and thermal management applications. It includes the general structure and introduction to nitride compounds, the assessment of nitride compounds filled polymer composites, and their relevant applications. The current industry's heat and electrical equipment requirements are lightweight, low cost, compactness, mechanical properties as well as superior thermal and electrical properties. The aluminum and copper-based materials show an excellent properties, but they are expensive and heavy. Hence, polymers are preferred in place of metals due to their recyclability, low cost, and sufficient mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties suitable for various applications. Further addition of nitride compounds such as boron nitride (BN), silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ), carbon nitride (C 3 N 4 ), aluminum nitride (AlN), and titanium nitride (TiN) to these polymers boost the overall mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of the resultant composites. These conductive nitride compounds addition gives a major contribution to the thermal conductivity and dielectric properties enhancement in the polymer composites. In this review article, an attempt is made to summarize and explore brief results and key points of previous research works done on the nitride compounds loaded polymer composites. This review will be beneficial and motivate the current, upcoming researchers to conduct innovative works related to nitride compounds filled polymer composites to increase the applicability in various sectors.