GUEST LECTURE JAN-2013

Prof. Douglas Cleaver, a distinguished scientist and lead researcher from the University of Sheffield Hallam, UK. visited Dronacharya Group of Institutions, Greater Noida on 16th Jan 2013. He is the Director of Materials and Engineering Research Institute (MERI) and leads its post graduate research activities. He is also the Chair of the University’s Research Degrees Subcommittee.

He was at the institute to deliver a lecture on “Materials Modelling in Research & Development” to the faculty members.

At the outset Prof. G. R. Tyagi, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering, DGIGN read out Prof. Cleaver’s profile and apprised the gathering of his stellar achievements and academic brilliance. Prof. TPN Singh, Advisor (R&D), DGIGN welcomed Prof. Cleaver and succinctly briefed the audience of his contributions in various fields of Sciences and opined that his virtues be emulated and inspiration be drawn from his outstanding research activities.

Dr. M. S. Murli, Director, DGIGN greeted Prof. Cleaverwith a bouquet and thanked him for his visit to the institution.

Prof. Cleaver explained in detail his area of expertise and research activities in molecular and mesoscopicmodeling with particular emphasis on computer simulation of ordered fluids. His work centers on the use of molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, dissipative particle dynamics, smooth particle hydrodynamics and Lattice Boltzmann simulation techniques to investigate the behavior of freely assembling systems. He spoke on confined liquid crystals, spontaneous formation of gyroid phase by simple particles and hierarchical self-assembly of chiral fibers and other components. The purpose of modeling was explained and thereafter case studies were taken up for a lucid analysis. These case studies were on:

1. Modeling of Fracture.

2. Design of novel LCD Devices relating to twisted nematic LCD and crossed polarization with Lattice Boltzmann.

3. Ordering and self assembly of disc shaped articles in stages of hierarchical self assembly process.

4. Spontaneous chirality .

Question answer session saw queries on application of modeling and simulation carried out for Unilever and application of varying voltages in the process which were taken up and clarified by Prof. Cleaver.

Vote of thanks was rendered by Prof. TPN Singh who thanked Prof. Cleaver, the Management and the Organizing committee for the program. A copy of DGIGN Research Journal and a Memento was presented to Prof. Cleaver by Prof. B. L. Kaul, Registrar, DGIGN.

Meaningful discussions took place in the Director’s office between Prof. Cleaver and the team comprising of Director, Registrar, Administrator (Academics) and Advisor (R&D) on issues relating to research activities and education system.