Prof. Arka Mandal's research focuses on the deformation behaviour of metallic materials across length scales, from bulk response to nanoindentation, with emphasis on crystalline defects [1], solid-state phase transformations, and the processing-structure-texture-property correlation in steels. He employs advanced electron microscopy and related characterization techniques [2] to reveal the role of defects, interfaces, and microstructural evolution in governing mechanical behaviour. His work integrates experimental analysis with a fundamental understanding of deformation and transformation mechanisms to build structure-sensitive insights for metallic systems. A strong focus of his research is on steels, where texture evolution [3] and phase stability are linked to performance under service conditions. Overall, his research aims to connect microstructural features with macroscopic properties for the design of stronger, more reliable engineering materials.

Prof Jaya's research interests are in mechanical behavior and structural integrity assessment of different classes of materials, across different length scales. Her focus is to deploy finite element modeling in combination with experiments to develop: Non­conventional fracture test geometries [1]; Design and development of damage resistant structures [2­3]; Microstructure and micro­mechanical characterization of interface dominated materials across stress states [4­6]. Her group is the first in the country to set up in­situ micromechanics techniques with full field strain mapping using digital image correlation under optical and electron microscopes [4­5]. She is funded by Pratt & Whitney, for her work on thermal spray coatings and additively manufactured superalloys, by IGCAR for solidification cracking in laser welded steels, and has been part of collaborations with TATA Steel to develop a miniature hole expansion ratio set up (patent filed) [6]. She has been the recipient of the Max Planck Society's External Partner­ Group Leadership Award, KITs International Excellence Fellowship Award, and Visiting Fellowship Awards at Hiroshima University and Xian­Jiatong University, for her collaborative work.

The theme of Prof. Prabhu's research is "Processing­structure­property relationship" in different materials. His research scholars have explored this relationship in Mg­, Al­, Ti­alloys and in steels viz., HSLA steel, Dual­phase steel, Super­duplex stainless steel and austenitic stainless steel. Currently he is collaborating with NMRL, Ambernath to develop suitable High­Entropy Alloy (HEA) for naval applications.

The traditional paradigm of the materials science tetrahedron illustrates the structure­processing­ properties­ performance correlations for a material. Along similar lines, Prof. Prasad has defined the focus of his research majorly on ‘Microstructural Engineering and Mechanical Performance (MEMP)’ of various metallic alloys (both ferrous and non­ ferrous metals & alloys) and metal matrix/metal particles reinforced composites. One of the current thrust areas is to develop novel coatings and materials as a strategic approach to improve resistance against mechanical and chemical degradation of materials. The second one is on developing advanced high­ strength steels and advanced light alloys (Al alloys, Mg alloys, Ti alloys) for automotive, aerospace, and defense applications by adopting proper alloy design and thermo­mechanical controlled processing. And, the third one is on developing novel and advanced similar and dissimilar metal joints by solid­state diffusion bonding and friction­stir welding. The group has been working on understanding the deformation behaviour, oxidation, and corrosion performance of metallic materials at different microstructural length scales.

Prof. Prita’s research group has been working on investigating the links between the microstructure of metals and alloys and their plastic deformation, using a combination of experiments and modelling. Medium Mn­steels comprise the third generation of advanced high strength steels (AHSS), which have a combination of high strength and ductility. These properties are achieved by tailoring a two­phase microstructure, which, during plastic deformation, undergoes deformation by multiple modes, namely twinning, phase transformation and dislocation slip. We show that both twinning and phase transformation can occur depending on the local composition of austenite grains (Fig 1) [2]. Ni based superalloy GTD444, is used to make directionally solidified blades for later stage turbines. Since Boron is added as a grain boundary strengthener, the microchemistry near boundaries and the crystallographic orientation of grains both influence deformation at elevated temperatures. We show that M2B type borides are present near boundaries, where M is Cr, W, and Mo (Fig. 2) [2]. These borides transform into M6C and M23C6 type carbides upon thermal aging, present discretely along the boundary, and prevent inter­granular fracture. Cu­Al alloys are excellent model system to study solute strengthening and the effect of stacking fault energy, which reduces by an order of magnitude as Al content increases from 0 to about 8 wt%. Deformation of miniature tensile samples was carried out, and misorientation developed along twin and high angle boundaries measured (Fig. 3) [3]. This was explained based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of twinned crystals by observing dislocation accumulation near twin boundaries.