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  • 4:02 PM, Tuesday, 19 Mar 2024

Department of Aerospace Engineering

The laboratories/research facilities are established under Department of Aerospace Engineering. Various experimental setups are developed in these labs to crater to the need of undergraduate and post graduate programs. In addition, several research facilities are also developed to support the research activities under the Department

 

 

Advanced Propulsion and Laser Diagnostics (APLD) Facility

Advanced Propulsion and Laser Diagnostics (APLD) Facility is setup with an objective to perform propulsion research studies through laser diagnostic techniques. The laboratory have the capability to perform PIV and PLIF measurements, and is equipped with: (i) Double Pulsed Nd-YAG PIV Laser , (ii) Precision Dye Laser, (iii) Intensified CCD Camera, (iv) PIV CCD Camera (v) High Resolution Wavemeter (vi) Optical Tables, (vii) Optical Components and (viii) High Speed DAQ System. The lab would shortly be upgraded with a second dye laser for two line LIF thermometry measurements and particle size analyser for droplet size measurements.

The basic propulsion facilities established under APLD are;

  • (I) Test Setup for Rocket Injector Spray Characterisation from atmospheric to critical conditions,
  • (ii) Single Element Coaxial Combustion Facility, and
  • (iii) Supersonic Free Jet Facility

Academic/project activities ongoing in this facility finds relevance to various ISRO activities such as (i) Evaluation of 'Mixing and Combustion' efficiency of the fuel-oxidiser jet for any real scale engines (ii) Injector design based on characterisation of jet at supercritical conditions (iii) investigations on combustion Instability etc.

 

 

High Pressure Shock tube facility

High Pressure shock tube operational at Aerodynamics lab, IIST is 12.8m in length, 60 mm in diameter and is rated for an operating pressure of 200 bar. The shock tube can be operated either in the cold driver mode, or in the detonation driver mode. The shock tube has been instrumented with transient-pressure sensors, high speed data acquisition system and a high speed schlieren flow visualisation set-up.

 

 

Flame Diagnostics Lab

The Flame Diagnostics Lab set up in the Aerospace Department is an experimental test facility for combustion diagnostics in subscale and standard burner flames. In addition to the implementation of the conventional measurement techniques, the lab also facilitates employment of state of the art optical and laser diagnostic measurement techniques to combustion studies. The highly resolved experimental data base from this lab will be extremely valuable for the development of the CFD based reliable and predictive design tools in the future. The lab can be used for development of advanced combustion and propulsion systems as well as for fundamental R&D in gaseous and liquid fuel systems. Some of the measurement techniques that can be realized in this lab are Schlieren/shadowgraph – density gradient visualization, atomization pattern between isothermal and reactive flow conditions, high speed flame luminosity – dynamic event capture, optical spray diagnostics – drop size and velocity, planar velocity field measurements (both isothermal and reactive flow fields) – characterizing the velocity field, flame chemiluminescence – size and shape of the heat release zone, laser induced fluorescence (LIF) measurements of flame radicals – reactive species imaging and mixing studies, pollutant emission measurements and simultaneous diagnostic measurements.

 

 

Aerodynamics Lab

Aerodynamics Laboratory is established to provide hands-on experience and practical learning on various aerodynamic concepts, mainly in the areas of force/moment measurement techniques and flow visualization techniques. Lab is equipped with facilities to conduct experiments on jet flows, flow separation and boundary layer studies. The laboratory provides the students with a venue to pursue their interests in aerodynamic domain through experiments and projects. The laboratory features five subsonic wind tunnels: three suction type tunnels and two blower type tunnels with a maximum flow velocity of 40 m/s and associated apparatus for flow measurements.

 

 

 

Flight Mechanics Lab

This lab provides a platform for the students to get trained in design, development and testing/piloting of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Understanding the performance of propellers in flight conditions, measuring the moment of inertia of the UAVs/MAVs and simulating various flight vehicles using open source simulators are some of the exposures provided in this lab. Students are exposed to flight testing and estimating the performance characteristics of UAVs from the flight data. As a part of the research, lab provides support for design, fabrication and flight test of UAVs/MAVs. The flight-worthy UAV models are used for estimating the static and dynamic derivatives of the UAVs using various estimation methods. The PX4 based flight controllers are used to take measurements from the UAVs as well as control them for pre-specific flight modes.

 

 

Thermal and Propulsion Lab

The laboratory facilitates various experiments related to heat transfer, combustion, multiphase flow, propulsion and thermal engineering. The students can work with many flow, pressure and temperature measuring sensors/associated data acquisition systems of industrial standards for their experiments. Performance characterization on a ramjet engine test rig, gas turbine test rig, axial flow fan etc., are available in this laboratory. Compressible flow test rig permits study and characterization of flow through turbo machine rotors and subsonic nozzles. Performance analysis of multi-cylinder CRDI diesel engine and MPFI petrol engine. Performance analysis of two stage reciprocating air compressor and centrifugal blower etc., are some of the fundamental experiments possible in this lab.

 

 

Aerospace Structures Lab

Objective of this lab is to reinforce the concepts of aerospace structures/mechanics of structures, which pose significant application in Aerospace Engineering. Wide range of experimental options using Column buckling apparatus, Thin walled cylindrical pressure vessel apparatus, Unsymmetrical bending/shear centre measurement apparatus, Strain gauge trainer apparatus, Shear force in a beam apparatus, Deflection of Beams/ cantilever apparatus and Continuous/indeterminate beam apparatus etc., are made available in this lab. Research facilities such as Micro Raman Spectrometer, Laser Doppler vibrometer, Measurement of wave propagation and structural health monitoring of structures, Finite element packages such as ABAQUS etc., are additional features of this laboratory.

 

 

Heat Transfer Lab

The objective of the Heat Transfer Lab is to conduct fundamental and applied research in transport phenomena to support energy technologies, thermal management of space systems, and cryogenic engineering. Experiments in this lab help the students to understand all heat transfer modes practically and also pave way for inculcating certain innovative skills in the students, to make them capable of performing higher level experimental/theoretical studies in heat transfer for space applications. Research in the lab focuses mainly on film cooling processes applicable to rocket combustion chambers/gas turbines, thermal management of electronics and cryogenic flow systems.

 

 

Fluid Mechanics Lab

Fluid mechanics lab offers training to undergraduate students in flow measurements and visualizations. The main goal is to train students in the field of fluid machineries, flow transition, turbulence, aerodynamics and control of fluid flows. Experiments include viscosity measurement, U-tube manometer, venturi and orifice meter, flow through pipes, Reynolds transitional flow and Hele-Shaw flow. Fluid machineries such as Francis and Pelton turbine and reciprocating pump are also part of this lab.

 

 

CAD /Modelling and Analysis Lab

This is a lab where the students get opportunity to familiarize various modelling, drafting and analysis software packages such as AutoCAD, CATIA, SOLIDWORKS, Autodesk INVENTOR, ADAMS, Hypermesh, MSC Patran, MSC Nastran, Scilab, FEAST etc. The design and analysis experience gained through CAD lab mould our students capable of contributing meaningfully in the design/analysis of payload/satellite structures in various space projects at institute level.

 

 

Engineering Workshop/Basic Engineering lab

Engineering Workshop at IIST is equipped with the following facilities.

  • Conventional Machine tools such as lathes, milling, drilling and grinding machines
  • Welding facilities including Arc, TIG, Spot and Oxy-Acetylene welding
  • Metal forming facility: Hydraulic Press
  • General purpose hand tools and systems for common engineering tasks

This lab is used by all the undergraduate students of IIST, irrespective of their branch of study in the very first semester of their curriculum. The course associated with this lab is expected to pave an engineering platform for the students, where they will get their first experience in an engineering lab, and will start understanding ‘how to make mechanical components from engineering drawing’.

In addition, the lab is used by UG/PG students and Research Scholars from all the departments of IIST for various general purpose engineering tasks and experimental setup developments. In addition, this workshop facility cater to the needs of various Institute level projects/general purpose fabrication requirements also.

Assembly-Disassembly section is one of the innovative initiatives as a part of Basic Engineering Lab for first year students. In this section, the students will get an opportunity to dismantle an engineering assembly, understand the basic elements, its design and integration. For a new student entering into an engineering world, these practices are really helpful to get a realistic-hand on feeling. Major systems available in Assembly-Disassembly section include; (1) Gear Box Assembly (2) Cam and follower system (3) Centrifugal Pump assembly (4) Industrial sensors and related systems (5) Engine Components and related systems.

 

 

Manufacturing Processes Lab

It is one of the important facilities established under Department of Aerospace that cater to the needs of academic curriculum, research as well as other projects, wide across the institute. The major facilities in this lab include

  • CNC Machine Tools : CNC turn-mill centre, CNC Milling machines, CNC lathe, CNC grinding machines
  • Non Traditional Machining System: EDM machine
  • CNC simulation trainer, Flexible Manufacturing System & Pick and Place industrial robots
  • Custom made experimental setup in precision manufacturing, Rapid Prototyping Machine etc.

The facilities in this lab are extensively used by the UG, PG and Ph.D students of IIST to perform engineering exercises as well as to develop experimental setups. All the Aerospace UG students at IIST are getting an opportunity to work on CNC machines and similar sophisticated systems available in this lab during their curriculum. Manufacturing lab at IIST also support various Institute level space activities/IIST-ISRO project activities towards the prototype development, machining and precision manufacturing, design for SM/AM etc.

 

 

Metrology and Computer Aided Inspection Lab

The main objective of this lab is to crater the needs of UG curriculum as well as to support various engineering measurements/inspection requirements at IIST. The major facilities include Vision inspection system, Minor measuring instruments, Instruments for measuring geometrical features, Optical measuring systems etc.

 

Material Characterization/ Physical Metallurgy Lab

This lab is facilitates the metallurgical analysis of different aerospace metallic materials, as a part of academic curriculum as well as research/IIST-ISRO collaborative projects. Major facilities available are;

  • Abrasive cutting Machine
  • Automatic Mounting Press
  • Twin Variable Speed Grinder/Polisher
  • Electro chemical Etcher/Polisher
  • Sonic Cleaner
  • Trinocular Reflected Light Microscope with image analysis system and software
  • Micro Indentation Hardness tester
  • Muffle Furnace
  • Thermal Expansion Apparatus etc.,

 

 

Strength of Materials Lab

The objective of strength of materials lab is to provide a platform for students and researchers to explore various materials characteristics. The lab is equipped with material testing equipment’s such as, universal testing machine (UTM), torsion testing, fatigue testing, hardness testing machines, creep testing, Impact testing, spring testing, vibration testing etc. This lab also acts as the scaffold for conducting several student projects.