Areas of research for Deakin MAHE Cotutelle PhD Program

Natural Fibre Based Hybrid Composite Material for all weather UAV application

In the present era, significant and rapid developments are taking place in the field of composites
resulting in the discovery of improved material system designed to meet the requirements. Traditional
composite structures, which are reinforced by synthetic fibres namely, glass, aramid and carbon fibres
are expensive and also harmful to the environment. Due to these reasons, natural fibres are gaining
traction, which put forwards certain properties like low weight, abundant availability, renewable in
nature, increased biodegradability, good strength, reduced cost and environment friendly. Natural fibres
thus are becoming an alternative reinforcement over synthetic fibres in making of composite material,
which can be used for several applications, which include automobile parts, household appliances,
furnitures, in packaging, light to moderate loaded structural applications, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles,
personal protective armours, etc. [1].
Natural fibres are obtained from the nature and can be classified into two categories, plant based and
animal based. Some of the properties that make natural fibres an attractive alternative to synthetic
fibres are low cost, light weight, minimal health hazards during processing, biodegradable, reasonably
good specific strength and modulus, good thermal and acoustic insulation characteristics, ease of
availability, etc. One of the major limitations of natural fibre as reinforcing material is that it is
hydrophilic in nature, which makes them incompatible with polymers. The result of this incompatibility
can be seen in weak bonding with the matrix resulting in inconsistent and reduced mechanical
properties. To overcome this, fibres have to be modified with surface treatment that results in enhanced
adhesion with the matrix. During chemical treatment formation of new moieties and activation of
hydroxyl groups takes place, which brings about an effective interlock mechanism with the matrix [2]. In
addition to chemically treating the fibres, they may be treated with certain coupling agents in order to
enhance its bonding with the matrix [3, 4]. (Sarfi et al. 2017; Mohammed et al. 2015).
UAVs are supposed to be light in weight and thus Aluminium presently is the first choice material for
building the same. Some of the other properties that are required in UAVs other than lower weight are
good mechanical properties, resistance to impact, fatigue and corrosion, minimal machining, easy
fabrication of intricate parts, low absorption of radar and microwave to provide stealth capabilities, low
coefficient of thermal expansion, etc. Other than these properties, UAVs should be inexpensive. Use of
lightweight advances composites has thus become essential. Lightweight material will also enhance
flight time. Some of the reinforcements that are being used presently are S-glass, E-glass, Aramid,
Carbon, High Molecular Weight Polyethelene while among the matrix, epoxy, vinyl ester, polyester,
phenolic and polyimide resins are being used.
Composites have the potential to reduce the overall UAV weight by 15-45% depending on the extent of
composite use. In order to reduce the weight to above 50% improvements in composite economics is
required. Use of suitable natural fibres along with synthetic fibres and micro/ nano fillers can help in
overcoming the above mentioned challenges in the area of use of composite material for all weather
UAVs.

Eligibility and Desirable qualifications

1. Above 70% Master’s degree in Mechanical/Manufacturing engineering.
2. Good communication and writing skills as evidenced from research publications or Master’s thesis
3. Possess strong data analysis skills and good knowledge of statistics
 Title: Modelling of Nutrient Dynamics and Water quality for aquaculture in Backwaters: A Data
Analytics Approach

The aim of this project is to study the profile of nutrients, quality of water and develop a prediction
model which recommends the fish farmers to identify the type of fish which can be cultured in a specific
environment. Along with that it categorizes different types of nutrient dissolved in water and the
amount of Dissolved oxygen. This study provides a predictive far-field modeling assessment of water
quality for existing and proposed fish farms in the selected area with the focus on nutrient enrichment.
The Research captures the historic data and contemporary data (through physical sampling in the
backwaters of Swarna and Sita). The initial model is developed with historic data using AI and
machine learning algorithms. Subsequently the model is refined using sampled data through our
designed system (IOT).
The modelling of backwater will help us in characterizing the backwater and identifying suitable fish
species that can be grown during the given period. The analysis also throws light on the impact of
nutrient enhancement on the benthic fauna. This research work will help the fishermen living in the
banks of these backwaters for self-employment practice of aquaculture and revenue generation
throughout the year.

Eligibility and Desirable qualifications

1. Above 70% in Master’s
2. Good communication and writing skills as evidenced from research publications or Master’s thesis
3. Possess strong data analysis skills and good knowledge of statistics
 1. Source tracking pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) in urban areas of
Southwestern India

Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are a class of emerging contaminants in the
water bodies which are less studied in India. Through a collaborative programme between Manipal
Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, India and Deakin University, Australia it is proposed to study
the sources and fluxes of PPCPs in Mangalore city and in Manipal for a period of two years. Samples
will be collected from sewer lines of both these towns and from the surrounding groundwater. This
study would provide a baseline data of the current levels of PPCPs in the environment and will
benefit the decision makers in taking appropriate measures to mitigate the contamination if any. This
study would also trigger further research on cost-effective treatment of micropollutants to achieve
zero emissions to the environment.

Eligibility and Desirable qualifications

1. Above 70% Master’s degree in environmental engineering. Knowledge of geosciences/ analytical
chemistry/hydrology will be an advantage.
2. Good communication and writing skills as evidenced from research publications or Master’s thesis
3. Possess strong data analysis skills and good knowledge of statistics
4. A valid GATE score is desirable

2. A modelling approach to study diffuse source microplastics from urban environments

The threat of microplastics to the marine ecosystem is well-understood worldwide. However, nil
reports exist on the quantum of microplastic particles that are exported annually from diffuse sources
in urban environments. Through a collaborative programme between Manipal Academy of Higher
Education, Manipal, India and Deakin University, Australia it is proposed to study the behavior of
microplastics and provide an estimate of microplastic particles exported from urban catchments with
the help of modelling studies. This collaborative programme would provide the first estimate of the
amount of microplastic particles discharging into waterways that would significantly help the local
and the central administration to plan remedial action in the future

Eligibility and Desirable qualifications:

1. Above 70% in Master’s degree in environmental engineering/ environmental sciences/geosciences
with background in hydrology/hydraulics or related water engineering disciplines.
2. Should have good understanding and be experienced in numerical modelling. Coding skills will be
an advantage.
3. Data analysis skills, knowledge of statistics.
4. Good communication and writing skills as evidenced from research publications and/or master’s
thesis.
5. A valid GATE score is desirable