DH NEWS SERVICE
jammu, Jul 19
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) has received a major boost to its research and innovation initiatives after the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) sanctioned a Research Promotion Scheme (RPS) project worth Rs 28 lakh to the University’s School of Mechanical Engineering. The project is aimed at developing advanced 3D printing technologies for automotive applications and is expected to strengthen research capabilities while promoting collaboration between academia and industry. The research project, titled “3D Printed Functionally Graded Lattice Structures for Enhanced Energy Absorption and Acoustics for Automotive Applications,” will be led by Dr. Ankush Raina as the Principal Investigator, while Dr. Mir Irfan ul Haq will serve as the Co-Principal Investigator.
The project will be implemented in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar, the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Kurukshetra and an industry partner. The collaboration brings together experts from leading academic institutions and the industrial sector to address emerging engineering challenges through advanced manufacturing technologies. According to university officials, the research focuses on the development of innovative functionally graded lattice structures using advanced 3D printing techniques. These specially designed structures are expected to enhance energy absorption and improve acoustic performance in automobiles, contributing to safer, quieter and more efficient vehicles.
The project also seeks to promote lightweight and sustainable engineering solutions for the automotive industry. By reducing the weight of vehicle components while maintaining strength and durability, the research is expected to support improved fuel efficiency and lower environmental impact. The initiative aligns with the growing global emphasis on sustainable manufacturing and next-generation mobility technologies.
The AICTE-funded project is also expected to advance research in additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, which has emerged as one of the most significant technological innovations in modern engineering. The technology enables the production of complex components with greater precision, reduced material wastage and improved design flexibility compared to conventional manufacturing methods.
Vice Chancellor of SMVDU, Prof. Pragati Kumar, congratulated the research team on securing the nationally competitive AICTE grant. He described the achievement as a significant milestone for the university and appreciated the efforts of the faculty members in obtaining prestigious external research funding.
He said the successful sanction of the project reflects the growing research culture at SMVDU and demonstrates the institution’s commitment to addressing contemporary engineering challenges through innovation and scientific excellence. He also expressed confidence that the project would contribute meaningfully to national priorities in technology development, sustainability and industrial advancement.
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Ankush Raina thanked AICTE for extending financial support for the project. He also acknowledged the encouragement and guidance provided by the university administration in promoting high-quality research activities.
Dr. Raina said the project would not only generate new knowledge in the field of additive manufacturing but also create valuable learning opportunities for students and young researchers. He noted that participants would gain practical exposure to advanced technologies with direct industrial applications, helping bridge the gap between academic research and real-world engineering solutions.
The collaboration with premier institutions and industry is expected to facilitate knowledge sharing, technology transfer and the development of innovative products with commercial potential. The project is also likely to strengthen SMVDU’s research infrastructure and expand opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
With the sanction of this AICTE-funded research project, SMVDU has added another significant achievement to its growing portfolio of externally funded research initiatives. The university continues to focus on promoting innovation, high-quality academic research and industry-oriented technological development, reinforcing its vision of emerging as a leading centre for engineering education, scientific research and technological excellence in the country.
