Workshop on ‘Computational Techniques in Mechanical Engineering’

Aligarh: Subject experts delineated computational methods and numerous uses of numerical methods in mechanical engineering with their mathematical and practical applications in the online workshop on ‘Computational Techniques in Mechanical Engineering’ of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Z H College of Engineering and Technology (ZHCET), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

Discussing the significance of computational techniques and their application in mechanical engineering, Prof Parvez Mustajab (Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology) said, “The extremely rapid pace at which new hardware and software is emerging is constantly opening up new fields of application for numerical methods in engineering”.

He discussed how to develop suitable models, derive numerical solution procedures and use computer programs to solve the equations and present the solution outcome.

Prof M M Sufyan Beg (Principal , ZHCET) said, “The role of numerical methods in engineering problem solving has increased swiftly in recent years”.

He discussed computational techniques as powerful problem solving tools, capable of handling large systems of equations, non-linearities and complicated geometries.

Prof Sufyan also spoke about the new courses introduced in the Engineering College.

“This workshop will provide the participants with the necessary knowledge and expertise in reducing higher mathematics to basic arithmetic operations through computational methods,” said Prof M Muzammil (Chairman, Department of Mechanical Engineering).

Speaking on Fuzzy-based Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) method, Prof Zahid A Khan emphasised: “In real-life problems, there are many critical parameters that can directly or indirectly affect the consequences of different decisions. The application of multi-criteria decision-making theory involves the use of computational methods that incorporate several criteria and orders of preference in evaluating and selecting the best option among many alternatives based on the desired outcome”.

Deliberating the concept of ‘Simulation of Production System’, Prof Mohammed Ali (Programme Coordinator) shed light on how this application is used for evaluating the performance of the production system.

“The application of ‘Simulation of Production System’ helps manufacturers verify and validate the intended function of a product under development, as well as the manufacturability of the product”, he said.

Prof S Fahad Anwar delineated ‘High-Fidelity Solvers in Fluid Dynamics’.

He said: “With recent advances in high-performance computing, computational fluid dynamics modeling has become an integral part in the engineering analysis and in certain designs it has been integrated with numerical optimization and adjoint methods”.

Prof M N Mishra discussed the ‘Simulation of Supply Chain’ and demonstrated ARENA application in supply chain.

Prof Ajay S Singholi spoke on ‘Smart Factory and Industry4.0’ and talked about the significance of the Internet of Things (IoT) and research opportunities in the area.

Prof M Naushad Alam delivered a lecture on ‘Buckling Analysis of the Laminated Smart Composite Beam’ and deliberated the analytical and finite element approaches.

Prof M F S Baig talked about ‘Computational Techniques and Parallel Programming.’

In the lecture on ‘Optimization Using Genetic Algorithms’, Prof Faisal Hasan spoke about the use of genetic algorithm in engineering problems.

Prof Imtiaz Ali Khan discussed ‘Ergonomic Design of Machine Interface’ and vast research work in the field.

Prof Mohammed Ali also provided the participants with hands-on-training in the ARENA software, while Dr Imran Ansari gave training on how to use the ANSYS software.

Mohammad Nasir Khan (Co-Coordinator) conducted the valedictory session and Dr M Shaaban Hussain (Co-Coordinator) extended the vote of thanks.

Overall 342 participants from various universities and institutes across the country and abroad registered for the workshop.