Professor
Engineering Design, IIT Madras
CAD / CAE / CAM
Design Optimization
Design for Additive Manufacturing
Orthopedic Bio-mechanics
Biomedical Image Analysis
Dr. G. Saravana Kumar is a Professor in the Department of Engineering Design at IIT Madras with nearly 25 years of experience in teaching and research. His expertise spans CAD, Optimization, and Additive Manufacturing, with a passion for advancing these fields through innovative research and education.
His academic journey began with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Madras in 1997, pursued a Master of Engineering with a specialization in Welding Engineering from REC Trichy in 1999, and followed by a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Kanpur in 2004.
His scholarly contributions include over 50 journal articles and approximately 120 conference presentations, reflecting a sustained engagement with the latest developments in engineering design. He has authored a book and contributed to numerous book chapters, as well as edited two volumes in his field. Additionally, his innovations are protected by one US patent and nearly 20 Indian patents, underscoring his commitment to practical applications of research. His work has been recognized with several awards, including: Best Researcher Award, IEEE Madras Section (2021) and Young Engineer Award in Mechanical Engineering Discipline (2009).
Note: # IF : Journal Impact Factor. The values shown are the values corresponding to the period of publication.
Note: Wherever archived proceedings are available they are linked.
P Pradeep Pratapa, G Saravana Kumar, Palaniappan Ramu, RK Amit (Eds.)Advances in Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization: Proceedings of the 4th National Conference on Multidisciplinary Analysis and Optimization, Springer Nature, 2022. (ISBN: 978-981-19-3938-9).
S. Bandyopadhyay, Saravana Kumar, G., and Palaniappan Ramu (Eds.), Machines and Mechanisms,Narosa Publishing House, New Delhi, 2012. (ISBN : 978-81-8487-192-0).
Zaki Ahmad (Ed.), Recent Trends in Processing and Degradation of Aluminium Alloys, InTech, Croatia, 2012. (ISBN: 978-953-307-734-5).
Saravana Kumar, G., Geometric Modeling Methods using Point Cloud Data: Computing Techniques for Recognition and Fitting of Free-form Curves and Surfaces, LAP Lambert Academic Publishing GmbH & Co. KG, Germany, 2010. (ISBN: 978-3-8433-5912-2).
Saxena, A. and Sahay, B., Computer Aided Engineering Design, Anamaya Publishers (India) and Springer (The Netherlands), 2005. (ISBN: 978-1-4020-2555-6).
Major emphasis has been in developing methods for automating design procedures suitable for design optimization and mass customization. With the advent of additive manufacturing that can fabricate parts directly from CAD, rapid generation of customized designs become a central issue. As an example we have worked on patient specific geometric modeling and optimum design of femoral implant. Short term and long term research focus is to develop computer methods that can be used to rapidly generate optimum designs, employing customized geometric models along with representation of material heterogeneity that can be additively manufactured for mass customization.
A very related area to design optimization in biomedical engineering is employing image based 3D reconstruction for anatomical geometry. We have been working in the area of CT and MRI based image processing, segmentation for computer aided diagnosis and anatomical modeling with focus in the applying the methods to orthopedics domain. Spine is one of the most complicated supporting structures of the body posing various challenges in modeling the same. Degenerative disc diseases are one of the most common diseases and the treatment includes options like spinal fusion and/or spine stabilizing implants. The current research focus is in computer aided diagnosis, the mechanics of various stabilization procedures and help in better treatment planning using experimental as well as numerical models. Some of the studies completed and currently being taken up are illustrated. Long term research plan includes applying CNNs for computer aided diagnosis for spine and orthopedic diagnosis, development of patient specific models for implant design.
Design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) bring challenge to traditional CAD and analysis since most of them can only deal with homogeneous materials as of now, and also in terms of understanding the constraints posed by the AM process. My earlier work in this domain was in developing a framework of modelling and data transfer that includes material heterogeneity information apart from the external geometry for AM. Some of the recent studies currently being taken up are illustrated.
Resources for Additive Manufacturing Research: Major facilities in the domain of additive manufacturing is listed here. The genesis is the Rapid Prototyping Laboratory which was conceived as a prototyping facility for the department and created in the year 2008. The facility is extensively used by students and faculty across the department as well as IIT Madras, academic institutions and industries out side IIT Madras. Several research and consultancy projects are being carried out using these facilities.
Note: Contact the faculty in charge / technical staff in lab to obtain a quote for prototyping service.
ED120, Engineering Design
+91-44-2257 4624
Eden 350V RP machine from Stratasys®
The first rapid prototyping machine installed at IIT Madras, based on Multi-jet technology. The machine was Eden 350V® from Stratasys®. The machine after serving for a decade has been retired.
iFusion SF1, Intech Additive India®
A new state-of-the-art metal laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing equipment is installed in the Additive Manufacturing Reseach Group, pCoE Materials and Manufacturing of Futuristic Mobility (Make iFusion SF1, Intech Additive India®). The m/c build volume – 150 mm diameter and 180 mm height, Inert or nitrogen atmosphere. This facility is located in CWS 404, Joining and Additive Manufacturing Lab, Dept. of MME, IIT Madras.
Creator 3 Series FFF printer m/c from Flashforge®
This Fused Filament Fabrication printer has relatively larger machine size, and is well suited for needs from prototyping in polymers.This machine from Flashforge®. This offers a material processing envelope of 300*250*200mm and can process PLA, ABS, PVA, PETG, HIPS, PA, PC, ASA, & PACF.
LPX 600 3D scanner from Roland DG Corp. Ltd.®
3D scanning and shape synthesis is the process of producing design details in the form of CAD model from the physical part. The process also know as reverse engineering consists of first scanning the object concerned to create a point cloud that represents the skin of the object. Then using a surface modelling software the skin i.e. the surface model of the object is created. The lab has a 3D laser scanner LPX 600® from Rolland DG Corp. Ltd.®. The scanning accuracy is +/- 0.05 mm with a scanning pitch of 0.2mm. The scanning area is, width 254 mm and height 406.4mm.
Example Projects: Inspection of reaction injection molded component with its CAD model using 3D scanning.
MDX 40 Desktop CNC milling m/c from Roland DG Corp. Ltd.®
CNC machining along with suitable CAM software is a useful tool to machine components directly from CAD models in the materials as specified in bill of materials. The MDX 40 milling machine from Rolland DG Corp. Ltd.® is a easy to use desktop CNC milling machine that can machine wide range of materials including wood, wax and resin. The machine also supports a rotary axis thus supporting machining revolved parts and large part machining.
VERSA VLS-2.30 Laser engraving and cutting m/c from Universal Laser Systems®
Laser material processing systems with computer interface can integrate computer generated drawing to machining, engraving and cutting operations. The lab has a desktop VLS2.30 laser machine from Universal Laser Systems®. The VLS2.30® is well suited to prototype development and offers a material processing envelope of 406 x 305 x 102mm.
Note: # L : One Lakh Indian Rupees.
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MS (Jul 2019 - current)
Co-guide: Prof. Sourav Rakshit, Dept. of Mechanical Engg., IIT Madras.
Industrial Automation System
MS, IDRP (Jan 2023- current)
Co-guide: Prof. Abhijit Deshpande P, Dept. of Chemical Engg., IIT Madras.
Additive manufacturing
PhD, (Jul 2021- current)
Co-guide: Prof. Jayaganthan R, Dept. of Engg. Design, IIT Madras.
Additive manufacturing of Lattice Structures
PhD, (Jul 2021- current)
Co-guide: Prof. Murugaiyan A, Dept. Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, IIT Madras.
Additive manufacturing
PhD, (Jul 2021- current)
Co-guide: Prof. Jayaganthan R, Dept. of Engg. Design, IIT Madras.
Additive manufacturing
PhD, (Jul 2020- current)
Lattice Structure Simulation
PhD, (Jul 2019-current)
Co-guide: Prof. Venkatesh K, Dept. of Orthopedics, CMC Vellore.
Spine Biomechanics
PhD, (July 2018-current)
Co-guide: Dr. Murugaiyan A, Dept. of Materials and Metallurgical Engg., IIT Madras.
Metal additive manufacturing
PhD, (Jan 2017-current)
Computer aided diagnosis of spine
Last known affiliation is mentioned wherever known
...
MS, (Jul 2021- Jul 2024)
Co-guide: Prof. Palaniappan Ramu, Dept. of Engg. Design, IIT Madras.
Preform design for forging
Engineer at Lennox India Technology Centre
MS, (Jul 2019-Jan 2024)
Co-guide: Prof. Arul Prakash K, Dept. of Applied Mechanics, IIT Madras.
Numerical Investigation of Gyroid Heat Exchanger
MS, External candidate from Honeywell (Jul 2016-Jan 2023)
Design for additive manufacturing
Engineer at Honeywell
PhD, IIT-CMC-SCTIMST Clinical Engg. Program (Jan 2019-Jan 2023)
Co-guide: Prof. Satya Subramani, Dept. of Physiology, CMC Vellore.
Cardiovascular physiology
MS, (July 2019-July 2022)
Design for additive manufacturing
Engineer at Airbus
Postdoctoral researcher, (Nov 2021 - Oct 2022)
Biomechanics
UKRI Research Fellow at Univ. of Leeds, UK
MS, IDRP (July 2018-Nov 2021)
Co-guide: Prof. Abhijit Deshpande P, Dept. of Chemical Engg., IIT Madras.
3D printing using polymers
Doctoral researcher at Khalifa University
Postdoctoral researcher, (Nov 2019 - Oct 2020)
Biomechanics
Assistant Professor at Central University of Rajasthan
MS, (Jul 2016-Sep 2019)
Design for additive manufacturing
Engineer at Eaton India Innovation Center LLP, Pune
MS+PhD, (Jul 2013-Jun 2019)
Co-guide: Prof. Yoganadhan N, Dept. of Neurosurgery, MCW, Milwaukee, US.
Influence of morphological variations on cervical spine biomechanics
Researcher, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
PhD, (Jan 2013-Sep 2018)
Co-guide: Prof. A K B Chand, Dept. of Mathematics, IIT Madras.
Fractal splines in CAGD applications
Faculty member, VIT Andhra Pradesh
PhD, (Jul 2011-Sep 2018)
Co-guide: Prof. Arul Prakash K, Dept. of Applied Mechanics, IIT Madras.
Numerical simulation of fluid flow analysis and design optimization of hydro turbo machines
R & D Mechanical engineer at Forbes Marshall Private Limited, Chennai
PhD, (Jan 2013-Mar 2018)
Co-guide: Dr. Sankara J Subramanian, Dept. of Engineering Design, IIT Madras.
Curvature and strain computation in DIC
Head R & D at PhotoGAUGE
PhD, (Jul 2012-Feb 2018)
Computer aided diagnosis of spine pathologies
Postdoctoral researcher at University of California, San Diego, US
PhD, (Jul 2011-Feb 2018)
Co-guide: Prof. Venkatesh K, Dept. of Orthopedics, CMC Vellore.
Pullout strength of pedicle screws
Assistant Professor, American International University, Kuwait
PhD, (Jul 2011-Jul 2017)
Co-guide: Prof. A K B Chand, Dept. of Mathematics, IIT Madras.
Fractal splines in CAGD applications
Faculty member, SRM Chennai
MS, (Jul 2011-Jul 2014)
Surface roughness investigation and prediction model for poly-jet rapid prototyping system
Technical Staff, Central Workshop, IIT Madras
MS, (Jul 2009-Jul 2012)
Design and analysis of subject specific femoral implants
Assistant Professor at Amal Jyothi College of Engineering, Kerala
PhD, IIT Guwahati (2006-2010)
Subject specific design and analysis for fabrication of human femoral scaffold
Assistant Professor at IIITDM Kancheepuram
· Deepti Sharma, CAD based scaffold design for liver tissue using MRI images
· Sunny Patel, Design of Pressure Relieving Insoles for Diabetic Patients at Low Risk: A Finite Element Approach.
@ IIT Guwahati
· Appa Rao Ambatti, A methodology for layered manufacturing of porous objects
· Venkateshwara Chowdary, Multi-objective optimal synthesis of planar path generating mechanisms
· Veerababu Kinthada, Prediction of tensile and deep drawing behavior of taylor welded blanks by artificial neural networks (Co-guided by Dr. R Ganesh Narayanan, ME, IITG)
· Sivaprasad Koralla, Optimization of pipe routing through arbitrary domain
· Ganesh D Walsange, Computer aided sesign and analysis of asymmetric gears
· Sairambabu N L, Unstructured mesh generation over arbitrary domain by an hybrid advancing front technique
· Ramesh G Meena, Feature based modelling and analysis of axial fan (Co-guided by Prof. A. D. Sahasrabudhe, ME, IITG)
· Shanka S Babu, Unstructured mesh generation using an hybrid advancing front technique
· Rajendra Kishore, Robust synthesis of linkage mechanism with optimal tolerance allocation (Co-guided by Prof. A. D. Sahasrabudhe, ME, IITG)
· Razeem Ahmad Ali Mattathodi, Extraction of morphological parameters from segmented cervical spine CT images
· Ankit Ghoti, FE analysis of bone fracture healing
· Kumud Mittal, CFD analysis of a novel diffuser design
· Dharma Mounika, Extraction of morphological parameters from segmented cervical spine CT images
· Shashwat Joshi, Heat transfer analysis in wavy tubes
· Neel Shah, Support Structure Design in Metal Additive Manufacturing
· Prasanth M, Stiffness optimization of custom cementless hip implant
· Phalguna I, Heat transfer analysis using complex geometry and feasibility with additive manufacturing
· Dhinesh N, Framework for automated validation of cervical spine model
· Mohit Kumar, Reconstruction of Cranial Implant for Cranioplasty
· Ananthula Abhishek, Adaptive subdivision in conversion of AMF to STL format
· Tejasvin S, Low level brain control over the physiology at peripheral arteries(Co-guided by Prof. Srinivasa Chakravarthy, BT)
· Kishan Jani, Analysis of Preferences using Operations Research Models(Co-guided by Prof. G Srinivasan, DOMS)
· Anant Gupta, Experimentation with 3D printing to create animal tissues
· Vivek Velivela, A Finite Element Model to Predict the Part Strength of Fused Deposition Modeling Printed Parts
· Rishabh Malav, A study of genetic algorithm convergence and its application to optimal synthesis of mechanisms (Co-guided by Dr. S Bandyopadhyay, ED)
· Sudhakar Reddy, Development of 3D profile scanner
· Prajith V, Development of iterated function system for Bezier curves and its applications in geometric modelling (Co-guided by Prof. A K B Chand, MA)
· Srikanth Prasad J, Design and development of a laser line scanning system
· Bathula Kiran Kumar, Reliability Synthesis of Path Generating Linkages and Cost Optimization using Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithm (Co-guided by Dr. Palaniappan Ramu, ED)
· Rajesh Reddy, Generating Fractal Splines for Geometric Modeling (Co-guided by Prof. A K B Chand, MA)
· Jaideep Badduri, Development of a framework for optimal synthesis of mechanisms (Co-guided by Dr. S Bandyopadhyay, ED)
· Siva Swaroop, Design optimization of a double wishbone suspension system (Co-guided by Dr. S Bandyopadhyay, ED)
· Arun Chandran, Optimization framework for multimodal and multi-objective mechanism synthesis (Co-guided by Dr. S Bandyopadhyay, ED)
· Manu Gupta, Patient specific parametric geometric modeling of cementless hip prosthesis
· Sudhir Kindo, A methodology to find grit density and grit height difference of abrasives bonded in single layer configuration (Co-guided by Dr. Amitava Ghosh, ME)
Siva and Sumanth, Alignment of structured and unstructured meshes (Co-guided by Dr. R Ganesh Narayanan, ME, IITG)
Sudhendu Azad, 3D geometrical modeling of the human heart
Santhana Barathi, Thej Kiran, Suresh Kumaar, Sajay Surya, ...
Karthik Vijayakumar, Prashanth Neelakantan, Ganesh Prasanna, ...
Prof. K. Venkatesh, Spinal Disorders Unit, CMC Vellore
Prof. Vedantam Rajshekhar, Neurology Unit, CMC Vellore
Prof. Sathya Subramani, Dept. of Physiology, CMC Vellore
Dr. Aju Bosco, Ortho Spine Unit, Madras Medical College, Chennai
Prof. Narayan Yoganandan, Medical College of Wisconsin, USA
Prof. Sundar V. Atre, University of Louisville, USA
Prof. Mats Svensson, Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden
Prof. Rishi Raj, University of Colorado Boulder, USA
Prof. Palaniappan Ramu, Engineering Design, IIT Madras
Prof. Sandipan Bandyopadhyay, Engineering Design, IIT Madras
Prof. Arul Prakash K, Applied Mechanics & Biomedical Engineering, IIT Madras
Prof. A K B Chand, Mathematics, IIT Madras
Prof. Abhijit Deshpande, Chemical, IIT Madras
Prof. A Murugaiyan, Matellurgical & Materials Engineering, IIT Madras
Prof. Ravi Shankar K, Matellurgical & Materials Engineering, IIT Madras
Prof. Koshy Varghese, Civil Engineering, IIT Madras
Dr. Jayaraj Govindaraj, Radiology, Apollo Hospitals Chennai
Dr. Harvinder Singh Chhabra, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, New Delhi
Dr. Ashok S. Gavaskar, Dr. Rela Institute & Medical Center, Chennai
Super Auto Forge, Chennai
Sundaram Brake Linings, Chennai
Intech Additive Solutions India
Autodesk India
Note:
Process and Design for Additive Manufacturing, Interdisciplinary Elective course for PhD, MS & MTech at IIT Madras.(Along with Prof. A Murugaiyan, MME and Prof. Ratna Kumar Annabattula, ME)
Course Description: To provide comprehensive overview of pre- and post-processing methodologies, design strategy for additive manufacturing and operational principles of additive manufacturing processes. Learning outcome(s): 1. To critically evaluate the physical principles of an additive manufacturing process, 2. To obtain an ability to choose suitable AM process for a given material, design and service condition, 3. To create efficient designs, pre- and post-processing methodologies for additive manufacturing using metals/alloys, polymers and ceramics feedstocks.
Infrastructure: Metal additive maufacturing m/c, Computer faacilities for modeling and simulations.
Evaluation: Assignments, project and term paper presentations.
Special Topics in Engineering Optimization, Elective course for PhD, MS, Dual degree BTech Engineering Design at IIT Madras.(Along with Prof. Palaniappan Ramu, ED)
Course Description: Introduce students to the use of approximations based optimization for design based on analytical models and experiments. Introduce optimization frameworks used for light weighting in structural optimization and multi-disciplinary optimization.
Infrastructure: Computer facilities with structural engineering analysis software.
Evaluation: Assignments, project and term paper presentations apart from exams.
Optimization Methods in Engineering Design, Elective course for PhD, MS, Dual degree BTech Engineering Design at IIT Madras.
Course Description: Optimization has become a significant part of computer aided design activity. This course endeavors to describe the optimization concepts and procedures with examples and demonstrate their applicability to engineering design problems. The focus will be on formulation of design problem as optimization problem, numerical and computational solution procedures and its implementation.
Infrastructure: Computer facilities with programming software like C, MATLAB.
Evaluation: Computer based Assignments, project and term paper presentations apart from exams.
Rapid Product Development, Elective course for PhD, MS, Dual degree BTech Engineering Design at IIT Madras.
Course Description: Sustainable product development of better quality products with shrinking development times necessitates the need for evaluating all feasible design alternatives with least cost and time. This course aims at exposing students to recent advances in technologies like reverse engineering, rapid prototyping and tooling that enable fast, inexpensive ways to accomplish the same.
Infrastructure: Computer facilities and CAD software like ProE, AutoCAD and facilities for rapid prototyping.
Evaluation: Assignments, project and term paper presentations apart from exams.
<Differential and Computational Geometry, Elective course for PhD, MS, Dual degree BTech Engineering Design at IIT Madras. (Along with Prof. M Ramanathan, ED)
Course Description: Design and manufacturing issues such as parting plane identification and path planning require a great deal of the geometric properties of curves/surfaces and computational geometry algorithms. Differential geometry part of this course deals with the geometric properties of curves and surfaces, mainly using differential calculus. A course also discusses surface topology. Computational geometry consists of algorithms related to polygons/polyhedrons and the issues in implementation. This course is aimed at strengthening the mathematical/analytical thinking and the implementation skills of the students.
Infrastructure: Computer facilities with programming software like C, MATLAB and CAD software like ProE, AutoCAD.
Evaluation: Computer based Assignments, project and term paper presentations apart from exams.
CMBBE 2023, Paris: CMBEE conference venue - Arts et Métiers, in front of Bezier Hall.
CMBBE 2023, Paris: iconic tower in night.
CMBBE 2023, Paris: visit to RAM lab in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
CMBBE 2023, Paris: streets of Amsterdam.
iNaCoMM 2019, IIT Mandi: with organizers of conference.
iNaCoMM 2019, IIT Mandi: a visit to Parashar Lake.
ICoRD 2019, Bangalore: IISc Bangalore
ICoRD 2019, Bangalore: meeting Prof.(s) Ravi and Amaresh Chakraborty
Indian Spine Injury Center, New Delhi: Informal meeting with Prof. Vijay Goel
IRCOBI 2018: Acropolis of Athens
IRCOBI 2018: after presentation
IRCOBI 2018: Temple of Olympian Zeius Athens
NCMDAO 2018: The gathering
NCMDAO 2018: Jobin's presentation
NCMDAO 2018: Gokul's presentation
IPRoMM 2016: Day 1
IPRoMM 2016: Day 1
IPRoMM 2016: Informal discussion with Prof. Amarnath, President AMM
ASME Mech Engg Congrees 2016: Day 1
ASME Mech Engg Congrees 2016: Visit to Garnd Canyon
ASME Mech Engg Congrees 2016: Meeting Prof. Mark Henderson, ASU
ASME Mech Engg Congrees 2016: Meeting Jobin in Chicago enroute
UK India Research Initiative 2014: Visit to Ranishaw, Stone, UK
UK India Research Initiative 2014: UK India delegate meet, UKBC, London
with dual degree batch passing in 2018
department retreat 2011
with lab members in 2016
one of the earliest meeting with our colloborator Prof. Yoga, MCW, US