Dr. Vikas Jindal

Associate Professor
Department/School/Unit Name
Department of Metallurgical Engineering IIT(BHU), Varanasi
Phone No(s): 7081-268
Email: vjindal.met@iitbhu.ac.in
Area of Interest: Computational Thermodynamics, Ab initio modeling of thermodynamics, Alloy Design, Advanced Materials

Welcome to the Materials Modeling Lab (MML)

MML is a part of the Department of Metallurgical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi. Our research interest lies in various aspects of Computational Thermodynamics-(i) Experimental and DFT-based thermochemical data, (ii) Cluster Variation Method and Cluster Expansion based Gibbs energy models, (iii) Developing algorithms and software for the phase diagram assessment optimization, and (iv) Development of CALPHAD databases and their applications in novel materials and processes.

To this end, we develop novel computational thermodynamics tools to design alloys and materials. (see Research).

We are looking for passionate new PhD and Master students to join the team!

We are grateful for funding from IIT(BHU), Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), and the Armaments Research Board (DRDO)

News

-Our paper on "A Neural Network Driven Approach for Characterizing the Interplay Between Short Range Ordering and Enthalpy of Mixing of Binary Subsystems in the NbTiVZr High Entropy Alloy"  has received an
Editor’s Choice Award for 2023 from the Journal of Phase Equilibria and Diffusion.

- Shanker Kumar has successfully defended his PhD thesis on January 19, 2024. Congratulations!

- Our recent publication on " Influence of micro-segregation on the microstructure, and microhardness of MoNbTaxTi(1-x)W refractory high entropy alloys: Experimental and DFT approach" published "Intermetallics". 

- Our latest #research on "A Neural Network Driven Approach for Characterizing the Interplay Between Short Range Ordering and Enthalpy of Mixing of Binary Subsystems in the NbTiVZr High Entropy Alloy" published in "Journal of Phase Equilibria and Diffusion"

- Our latest #research on "Modeling Short-Range Ordering in Binary BCC Ti-X (X = Nb, V, Zr) Alloys using CE-CVM", published with @SpringerNature in "Journal of Phase Equilibria and Diffusion"

- Published paper on "Effect of Load on Tribological Properties of Ti–TiB–Fe Composites Processed via Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS)", Trans. IIM (2022). 

- Published Paper on "First-principles calculations and thermodynamic assessment of the Nb–V system using CE-CVM", Calphad. 78 (2022) 102439. 

-Published paper on "Reciprocating Wear of Ti-TiB In Situ Composites Synthesized via Vacuum Arc Melting", J. Mater. Eng. Perform. (2022).

- Published paper on "Thermodynamic Re-assessment of the Nb-Zr System Using the CE–CVM Model for Solid Solution Phases ", J. Phase Equilibria Diffus. (2022).


 
 

Research Areas

Our research interest lies in various aspects of Computational Thermodynamics: 

  1. Experimental and DFT-based thermochemical data.
  2. Cluster Variation Method and Cluster Expansion based Gibbs energy models.
  3. Developing algorithms and software for the phase diagram assessment optimization.
  4. Development of CALPHAD databases and their applications in designing novel materials and processes

More specifically, we are interested in:

  • Titanium based systems
  • Binary, ternary and multicomponent transition metal systems
  • Compositionally complex alloys (CCA and HEA)

On-going Projects:

  1. Development of Functionally Graded Armor Composites (FGACs) Materials (2019-2022).  This project is funded by  DRDO Under Grant-in-Aid Scheme of ARMREB.
  2. Role of Short Range Ordering in designing High Entropy Alloys (2019-2022). This project is funded by  Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) under Core Research Grant.
  3. Development of low-cost β-Ti alloy for biomedical applications (2020-2023).  This project is funded by  Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) under Core Research Grant. The role is Co-Principal Investigator

Completed Projects:

  1. ​Phase-diagrams and thermodynamic investigations of Ti-Hf-Zr system using cluster variation method (CVM) (2018-2020). This project was funded by  IIT(BHU), Varanasi. 
  2. Free energy minimization in binary alloy via genetic algorithms (2012). This project was funded by  XI-Plan - Research Grant for New Faculty, University Grant Commission, India.
  3. Development of e-content on ancient Indian metallurgy and modern process metallurgy (2011-12). This project was funded by  National Mission on Education through Information & Communication Technology (NMEICT), New Delhi.

Lab facilities


Computer Server
Processor configuration : Intel Xeon Gold 6140 (2.30GHz/18-core/24.75MB/140W)
RAM size: 384 GB
Type of Hard Disc Drive: NL SAS
Hard disc drive Capacity: 8000 GB
 

Vacuum Hot Press
This 20-ton capacity Vacuum Hot Press is suitable for the sintering of sintering metal (Ti, Fe, and Mo) and ceramic powders (TiB2) under controlled atmosphere and temperature conditions (up to 1500°C).

 
Charpy Impact Tester Machine
The FSA Make Motorized Impact Testing Machine is a powerful tool designed to evaluate the impact resistance of metallic materials, particularly through Charpy testing. With a capacity of 450 Joules, it can handle a wide range of test specimens and deliver reliable results.
 

Vacuum Arc furnace with Suction Casting
The Vacuum Arc Furnace with Suction Casting is a specialized piece of equipment designed for melting high-temperature materials under a controlled, inert atmosphere. It utilizes an electric arc to generate intense heat, capable of reaching temperatures exceeding 3500 degrees Celsius. This allows for the melting of materials like tantalum, tungsten, and other refractory metals that have very high melting points.

 
High vacuum high-temperature heat treatment furnace
This furnace is designed for precise heat treatment of various metal alloys under atmosphere-controlled conditions. The continuous operating temperature of this furnace is up to 1500°C, making it suitable for both ferrous and non-ferrous materials. 
 

Planetary ball mill
This planetary ball mill is a versatile tool for both wet and dry grinding, as well as powder blending. It boasts a large capacity 500ml tungsten carbide grinding jar and comes equipped with 50 fully tungsten carbide 10mm grinding balls for effective processing. The mill operates at a variable speed of up to 300RPM, with an optimal range of 250 to 300RPM for maximizing efficiency.

 

Courses



1. Computational Methods for Metallurgy
2. Computer Applications in Metallurgy Practical
3.  Modeling and Simulation in Metallurgy
4. Heat Treatment 


Group Leader

Dr. Vikas Jindal
Associate Professor
e-mail: vjindal.met@iitbhu.ac.in
Phone No: 7081-268

Current Students

  • Chayanika Sahoo(M.Tech Student)
    Area of Interest: Titanium-based bioimplant materials.

     
  • Nitesh Kumar Sah (M.Tech Student)


    Area of Interest: Titanium Matrix Composite Materials

  • Padiri Murali (Ph.D. Student)
    e-mail:murali.jrf.met21@iitbhu.ac.in
    Phone No: +919666919807
    M.Tech: Sri Venkateswara University Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh
    Area of Interest: Functionally Graded Armor Composite Materials

     
  • Ishu Yadav (Ph.D. Student) (Co-Supervision)
    e-mail: ishuyadav.rs.met20@itbhu.ac.in
    Phone No: +917088785595
    M.Tech: Indian Institute of Technology (BHU)
    Area of Interest: Computational Thermodynamics, First Principle Calculation, Beta-Titanium Alloys.

Former Students

 

Contact us


Office:
Ground floor, Room No: 034, Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU) Varanasi Uttar Pradesh (India),221005
e-mail: vjindal.met@iitbhu.ac.in
Phone No: 7081-268

The Materials Modeling Lab (MML) in the Department of Metallurgical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, India, invites applications for two PhD positions. MML offers a highly interdisciplinary and dynamic environment for research and development. The lab has a strong track record of publishing high-quality research in top international journals and conferences. The lab is also well-equipped with state-of-the-art computational and experimental facilities.

Research Interests

  • Computational Thermodynamics
  • Experimental and DFT-based thermochemical data
  • Cluster Variation Method and Cluster Expansion based Gibbs energy models
  • Developing algorithms and software for the phase diagram assessment optimization
  • Development of CALPHAD databases and their applications in novel materials and processes
  • Computational design and understanding of High entropy alloys
  • Experimental synthesis and characterization of High entropy alloys
  • Machine learning

To Apply

Submit your application through the Institute website: PG ADMISSIONS (iitbhu.ac.in). Also, send your CV to Dr. Vikas Jindal (vjindal.met@iitbhu.ac.in) by November 15, 2023. 

 

Vacuum Hot Press (VHP) Charges (18 % GST Extra): 

Name of Equipment

Campus Users

Educational and Govt. R&D

Labs & Consultancy Project of IIT (BHU)

Industry Users

For IIT(BHU) Users

For BHU Users

Vacuum Hot Press (VHP)

₹ 3,000/- Per Sample

₹ 5,000/- Per Sample

₹ 5,000/- Per Sample

₹ 5,000/- Per Sample

  • Sample preparation charges extra based on the sample.
  • Users need to arrange their own Die.

 

Vacuum Arc Melting (VAM) Charges (18% GST Extra): 

Name of Equipment

Campus Users

Educational and Govt. R&D

Labs & Consultancy Project of IIT (BHU)

Industry Users

For IIT(BHU) Users

For BHU Users

(VAM) For 4 Samples

₹ 2,000/- Per 4 Sample

₹ 10,000/- Per 4 Sample

₹ 10,000/- Per 4 Sample

₹ 10,000/- Per 4 Sample

(VAM) For 1 Samples

₹ 1,000/- Per Sample

₹ 5,000/- Per Sample

₹ 5,000/- Per Sample

₹ 5,000/- Per Sample

 

Charpy Notch Test (For All Temperature) Charges (18% GST Extra): 

Name of Equipment

Campus Users

Educational and Govt. R&D

Labs & Consultancy Project of IIT (BHU)

Industry Users

For IIT(BHU) Users

For BHU Users

For All Temperatures

₹ 1,500/- Per 5 Sample

₹ 5,000/- Per 5 Sample

₹ 5,000/- Per 5 Sample

₹ 5,000/- Per 5 Sample

  • Charges include sample preparation.