VIIT holds lecture series on latest application-based trends

A week-long lecture series on technology was organised by the department of mechanical engineering of the Vishwakarma Institute of Information Technology (VIIT) on its campus in Kondhwa, from September 19 to 24.

The lecture series was addressed by senior academicians, who guided students on various upcoming trends and topics that are application based.

The lecture series on technical aspects proved very useful for students, who are working on their final-year project, besides giving them the opportunity to interact with professionals from the industry.

The series started with assistant director of Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Sukrut Thipse, guiding students on recent advances in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) engine technologies, throwing light on the basics of CNG, its advantages and its importance in today’s times.

“People say that CNG is dangerous, but any fuel if mishandled is going to be hazardous. Diesel engines and conventional fuel engines are not environment-friendly and they must be replaced by alternative fuels like CNG,” Thipse said.

As dinosaurs became extinct after their time had come, diesel and conventional fuel engines will have to make an exit, he added.
Addressing the students on solar thermal utilisation, Govind Kulkarni, professor, College of Engineering Pune, (CoEP), referred to his current research work on effective use of available solar energy.

He gave example of solar stills for water distillation and solar dryer for food items that he has developed at the CoEP.
“There are various difficulties, industries are facing today and budding engineers should take it as a challenge and work on these projects,” he said.  

Talking on fluid power in low cost automation, Pavan Mishra, manager, sales and service, Natasha Enterprises, showed various clippings of robots and robotic cell used in industry today for different purposes.

He stressed on various fundamental issues that are faced by final-year students while appearing for their viva exams. Sharing his knowledge on nano composites, assistant professor at CoEP, Rajendra Goyal, addressed topics such as use of material science for decorative purposes in churches, auditoriums and on pots in ancient times.

“Colours applied with brush can never match the beauty and shine of nano particles, as it is their natural property. Gold and silver, when used in nano quantities show different colours and have beautiful appearances,” he said. He also covered various technical aspects and recent uses of nano composites in industries today.