IIT Palakkad organizes GIAN course on Contact Mechanics: Understanding Interactions at the Material Interface

IIT Palakkad conducted a GIAN course titled ‘Contact Mechanics: Understanding Interactions at the Material Interface’ from January 20-24, 2025. Prof. Daniel Nelias, Director, LaMCoS, University of INSA Lyon, served as the resource person and delivered insightful sessions that enriched the participants' understanding of contact mechanics. The course was a collaborative effort between IIT Palakkad and IIT Patna, co-ordinated by Prof. Mayank Tiwari(IIT Palakkad/IIT Patna), Dr. Kesavan(IIT Palakkad) and Dr. Sandan Kumar Sharma(IIT Patna). 

The course covered various topics, including the fundamental Hertz theory, the behavior of elastic materials under compressive forces, and elastohydrodynamic lubrication(EHL). The concepts of fretting, with its potential to cause significant material damage(wear modeling), were also explored from fundamental and advanced perspectives. Tutorial sessions and hands-on simulations utilizing finite element method(FEM) tools were also featured. The course facilitated valuable discussions between scholars, industry professionals and other attendees from academia with Prof. Nelias, fostering meaningful exchanges of knowledge and ideas that will undoubtedly benefit their future endeavors. 

Researchers, faculty members from various institutions and industry professionals from esteemed organizations such as ISRO, GE Vernova, GE Aerospace, and Wabtec actively participated in the event.