19, Aug 2011

Of all the disciplines of the vast subject area of engineering, mechanical engineering is one of the most versatile. Some of the areas in mechanical engineering have grown to become independent disciplines in their own right, such as production automobile, aeronautical, marine, industrial, tool and die engineering. Every industry requires inputs from mechanical engineering. There is substantial research work being done in the diverse fields of this broad discipline.

It is estimated that mechanical engineering technology accounts for nearly half of the total technology that India imports. To reduce such dependence on imports and to become self-reliant, it is important that we intensify research in this discipline. A key player in the field is the Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI), located on Mahatma Gandhi Avenue, Durgapur – 713209 (www.cmeri.res.in).

Established in 1958 under the aegis of CSIR, CMERI is the apex R&D institute for mechanical engineering. The institute facilitates innovative studies utilizing Indian talent. It is poised to expand its research activities to take the country forward in cutting-edge and sunrise fields. It offers assistance to industries in the form of feasibility studies, research, training, and consultancy.

The institute aims at product/process development, import substitution, export promotion, waste recovery, quality control, and standardization. It attempts to provide comprehensive technology packages consisting of design and manufacturing knowhow, consultancy, and training. Located in Ludhiana, the Mechanical Engineering Research and Development Organization (MERADO) is an extension center of CMERI.

The following are the various activities of research and development undertaken by the institute.

Robotics and Mechatronics: CMERI’s expertise lies in robotic systems, control engineering, and other related areas. It has developed a vacuum-mopping system for spilled heavy water for atomic power plants. The first indigenous 60kg payload SCARA Manipulator was its handiwork, as was the first indigenous remotely operated vehicle for a depth of 200 m for the Department of Ocean Development, Government of India.

Energy and Process Plants: CMERI conducts studies in the broad field of thermal and fluid engineering. It offers technical support to the industries.

Heat Power Engineering: Here the institute focuses on process design and development in the area of thermal / fluid systems in power and process plants, drying for agro industries, and advanced energy conversion. Its other areas of work include alternative energy, fuel cell, hydrogen generation from biomass and other sources, and application and improvement in drying system for grains and seeds.

Process Plant Engineering: Designing, developing, installing, and commissioning different kinds of process plants as well as executing national mission programs and drafting life assessment of process plants structures, these are among the activities of CMERI. A significant contribution of the group is the design and development of a carcass utilization plant in Central Leather Research Institute, Chennai—meat is processed as noodles; tallow is used in the soap industry, bone powder as fertilizer, and the processed meat as poultry feed.

Chemistry and Biomimetics: Biomimetics refers to man-made processes, substances, devices, or systems that imitate nature. It involves the application of biological systems found in nature to engineering and technology. The research in the chemistry and biomimetics group focuses on photochemical studies and on mechanistic studies of thermal reactions in solution. Using modern kinetic and analytical techniques, the molecular nature of the investigated reactions is revealed.

Some of the other areas are

• Use of ion-exchange-membrane materials to emulate the operation of biological muscles

• Miniaturization in the chemical, biological, and engineering sciences at both the micro  and nano scales.

• Design methods, manufacturing techniques, and analytical methods that can be used to create and evaluate products based on bio-inspired concepts.

Metrology: It is the science of weights and measures, determination of conformance to specification or technical requirements, and development of standards. It has application in all areas of science and technology including automation, robotics, space, and satellite communication. Metrological accuracy is critical for quality assurance. All testing and calibration activities depend on precise metrology.

The CMERI metrology laboratory is a leading test center recognized by the Bureau of Indian Standards for carrying out testing and calibration work. CMERI has links with national standards of the National Physical Laboratory, New Delhi, which is the custodian of measurement standards. Exceptional professional competence and stringent adherence to procedural norms ensure excellence in the service provided by CMERI in the field of dimensional metrology. Furthermore, the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration of Science and Technology (Government of India) has accredited the laboratory in dimension, mass, density, and volume. It gives timely and cost-effective solutions to industries.

Tribology: It is the science of the mechanisms of friction, lubrication, and wear of interacting surfaces that are in relative motion. Bearing and lubrication in machines are the major tools that help fight the problems caused by friction. It was centuries ago that man had evolved bearings, albeit of a primitive nature. There have been great innovations in the design and making of bearings that have enormous impact on the efficiency of machines.

Reduction in wear can reduce material wastage and energy loss. The resulting savings will enhance the economy in the operation of plants and machinery. We can better appreciate the significance of this process if we remember that almost a third of the world’s resources are being wasted in overcoming friction in one form or another. Tribology applies operational analysis to issues of much economic importance such as reliability, maintainability, and wear of technical equipment ranging from household appliances to spacecraft. Many cases of machine breakdown, failure, and stoppage are associated with interacting moving parts such as gears, bearings, couplings, cams, and clutches. These vital issues constantly come under studies and analysis that lead to solutions to various problems in industrial operations.

Manufacturing Technologies: For product development with high-grade capability for manufacturing precision we need to construct hard prototypes and develop reliable components. CMERI’s workshop with its state-of-the-art machinery focuses on precisely these needs. Equipments such as advanced CNC machines and heat treatment furnaces take the research forward. The manufacturing facilities are adequately supported by design, metrology, foundry, and heat treatment services.
Spin Casting and Investment Casting: Computerized modern foundry facilities are an asset to the institute. The rapid prototyping system quickly converts RP models into functional components. Spin casting and investment casting help in producing net-shape and near-net-shape functional components in the desired ferrous and non-ferrous metal specifications. Casting that is ideally suited for producing intricate and precise components of small batch size is available.